BUSH KINDER

TERM INFORMATION

*Due to weather conditions this will be a shorter 8 week term

Thursday Program February 15th - March 28th

3 years

$ 290 per child

9.15 am - 11.45 pm

Friday Program February 16th - March 29th

4 - 5 years

$ 290 per child

9:15am - 12:15pm

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND BUSH KINDER

Feeling the earth beneath our bare feet, smelling the Bush after rain, glimpsing an Orb web on a frosty morning, experiencing starry moss under our fingertips .... these are some of the most memorable experiences of childhood and they happen in the natural world.

Many Child Development specialists underline the importance of the sensory experience of nature for the healthy development of a child's physical, mental, social and emotional needs. In a world where we are increasingly exposed to media technology and indoor recreation, a child’s experience of the outdoors can become limited. Being in nature has never been so critical. Who would have thought!

The session has a child-focused structure that allows the children to “breathe in and breathe out” in their play and exploration. There are opportunities for adults to experience connective moments with their child and 'hold the space' by providing our attentiveness and sharing their moments of joy.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF BUSH KINDER

A well established routine and rhythm to provide the children with security and a sense of predictability. The child enjoys revisiting the familiar, and with each retelling a deeper understanding is gained.
Reverence for and awe of nature. We celebrate our observations & discoveries and marvel at their beauty, but try not to harm the living things around us.
Safe exploration and play in a natural setting. Allowing children to climb, balance, run, roll whilst maintaining a responsible attitude towards their ability and safety. We provide space and time to observe, experiment and problem solve.
Creating a child-centred space with a warm, positive energy for the children. Adult conversation respects the mood of play, and heavy topics are discouraged.
Creative and exploratory play which develops independence and imagination through doing. Fine and gross motor development from active physical play opportunities
Lots of singing which allows the joy of expression for the individual and as a shared group experience. Understanding & descriptions of flora & fauna
Appreciation and observations of transitional seasonal changes following the indigenous seasons with seasonal songs, prop stories and bush skills and craft activities.
Smooth transitions from one activity to the other. Instructions are often in song or poem form rather than as a directive. This is to maintain a gentle tone and to encourage children rather than discipline them.
Moments of reflection and the developing of awareness. Our quiet listening time is the beginning of meditation. Our breathing, our yoga stretches are ways to listen to our bodies and be kind to them.

ORIGINS OF BUSH KINDER

Bush or Forrest Kindergartens originated in Europe, particularly through the influence of the writings of Rudolf Steiner who valued the child’s experience of nature and natural materials in play.

ALL WEATHER

In these countries, babies to pre-school children would be dropped off at the Kindergarten in the morning, dressed in appropriate all-weather gear and would spend most of the day out doors during rain, even snow with temperatures down to 10 degrees below 0.

In Australia, we need to learn how to dress appropriately for our changeable climate.

In Autumn/Winter/Spring waterproof pants and coat and a woollen hat are essential. When jeans or cotton pants get wet they act as a “Coolgardie Safe” in the wind and can actually drop body temperature quite rapidly. In particular a child’s body temperature can cool down very quickly. Plastic pants are handy if the grass or shrubs are wet or if it is very windy.

Wool is the best fibre as it keeps you warm even if it gets wet. Always try to wear some article of woollen clothing in the cooler months.

In summer a sun hat and sunscreen are essential. In all weathers sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must.

Bush Kinder will continue to run even if it is raining or windy. However, winter sessions will include an indoor venue. The children will be able to change, dry off and prepare soup for lunch. Communication is usually by text message or phonecall on the morning of Bush Knder.

PRACTICALITIES

What to bring:

All-weather gear (gumboots, raincoat, plastic pants, change of clothes in the car)
Backpack for kids (optional) and parents
Water bottle, piece of fruit or Veg to share.
A hot cuppa is provided. Please bring a cup.

BOOKINGS

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