Growing need to get kids back to nature
WITH more stress and anxiety in the world than ever before, one play program is bringing Warwick children back to their roots.
Nature Play Queensland is set to take their Loose Parts program across the Southern Downs in October, because of growing demand for alternative fun.
The program focuses on play using a variety of interesting sources including
“logs, stepping stone sticks or the recycled things people typically throw out”.
It was a play experience which organiser Rebecca Burch said could lead to “endless opportunities to learn”.
“There’s always pressures in society for kids. There’s a lot of homework, afterschool activities and structured routines that mean they don’t necessarily get an extended period of time in nature to engage, and that’s countrywide,” she said.
“We have research that shows nature play supports wellbeing, reduces stress and challenges, which is a huge benefit during COVID-19 times too.”
While the pandemic had forced the program to adjust how it spread its message, Ms Burch said it had also led to an increase in educators seeking out the method.
“(Nature play) is continually on the rise,” she said.
“More schools are taking learning and curriculum outdoors, and teachers, through word of mouth, are constantly contacting us and this has only increased in COVID-19 times.
“They want an alternative way to enrich learning.”
Nature Play Queensland is hosting free workshops on their website www.natureplayqld.org.au
Workshops will be held for interested parties in Warwick on October 6 and Stanthorpe October 5.