Nature Immersion Programs

Wild Kindling provides opportunities for children to be immersed in the wonder and wisdom of nature, creating a deeper connection and belonging to the natural world around them. We offer both incursions and excursions where our nature leaders take the learning outdoors into natural spaces, encouraging discovery
and building curiosity.

We don't just teach nature education, but more importantly help children build a deep nature connection, through engaging their nervous system and restoring their instinctive desire to connect with nature.

We use and embody the 8 Shields* mentoring approach as well as the
nature-based learning cycle, to design and facilitate learning experiences.
Our programs can be aligned with Victorian School Curriculum and we provide opportunities to bring learning back into the classroom through practical, tailored examples of activities for teachers to continue engagement with students.

Sessions are designed to empower children in nature. We capture their natural passions such as playing games, asking questions, hearing stories, imitating others, and channel this into their learning. Through nature-based learning and play, children develop confidence, resilience and independence.

At the core of our learning, it is not just about the information that we deliver, but the interactions created between the child and the environment. We strongly encourage the children to observe, question and answer. Imagination is often more important than the correct answer. Children are encouraged to share their voices and findings with the group, creating a rich experience and additional level of immersion.

We inspire creativity through visualisation and the full use of the senses. Teaching responsible wildcrafting connects the children to nature in a direct way; it helps them understand the sources of materials for craft and food as well as the basics of sustainability. We ensure children foster a sense of care and appreciation for our land, as how our children respond to nature now, will impact how they raise their own children and future generations.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Nature based activities - In each session we offer different opportunities for adventure which helps develop children’s motor skills and teaches them ways to be active outdoors. Whether it’s exploring the bush, creating huts, climbing trees, or creating nature craft, there is always a variety of options for participants.

Nutritional awareness – we teach children the endless opportunities that the land provides us and how through caring for our environment, nature can help take care of us. They learn the basics about local bush tucker foods and in turn learn about sustainable food sources in their local area.

Mindfullness – throughout our sessions, mindfulness exercises are incorporated, promoted physical and mental well-being.

Sensory experiences – children are encourage to engage all of their senses in different ways, through a variety of activities, enhancing their understanding of the environment.

OUR APPROACH

We use the natural environment to nurture physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth through a variety of activities.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Emotional expression – within a nurturing environment, children are encouraged and supported to explore and express their emotions. Through activities like group discussions, nature craft and journalling, they gain a deeper understanding of their own emotions and how we can each manage these differently.

Conflict resolution – with the variety of social interactions that take place in the natural setting, we offer opportunities for children to learn how to resolve their own conflicts. We guide them to communicate with their peers, whilst navigating their emotions, in turn encouraging an environment where they support each other.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Community Building – through activities and discussions, we emphasize the importance of community, between humans and the non-human world. Children become part of a nature village, where they feel and understand the importance of being together.

Collaborative Learning – many of our activities are designed to encourage teamwork and collaboration. Children come together to achieve common goals, developing their social skills.

INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT

Unstructured Play – throughout the day, children are offered numerous opportunities to independently explore and play in nature. This approach supports self discovery, responsible risk-taking and fosters resilience.

Storytelling – in circle, we offer opportunities to share our own stories as well as stories from the land, fostering curiosity and imagination and wonder for our world.

NATURE IMMERSION & INDIGENOUS WISDOM

Nature Immersion – we provide opportunities for children to be immersed in the wonder and wisdom of nature, creating a deeper connection and belonging to the natural world around them. They learn about plant and animal life, formations of the land, and the importance of nurturing nature.

Indigenous Wisdom – incorporating ancestral wisdom, our sessions encourage a respectful relationship with indigenous ways and the natural world. Children learn bout the timeless traditions that honour and protect nature in so many ways.

A TYPICAL SESSION

Full day sessions are broken up in three sections, each designed to honour the nature-based learning cycle. We begin each session with our opening circle and Acknowledgment to Country, led by our facilitator. Children repeat words and actions, in English, Boonwurrung language and sign language. We believe beginning each session with this ritual helps create a sense of community and belonging. Children are made comfortable on the mat where an overview of the day is given. Children are offered the opportunity to discuss what behaviours are expected throughout the day, as well as boundaries and expectations for the day.

The first activity for the day is unstructured free play which is most important. Children can independently explore the area and discover things for the first time, or perhaps how things have changed if on a repeat visit to the location. Children are gathered together in circle again for a nature check-in where we discuss the current patterns in nature, such as moon phase, season, sunrise etc, and how the children spend their time in nature at home. This is a good time for new information and we align activities to the requested Inquiry topic provided by the school or kindergarten.

We break for morning tea and continue unstructured free play. In the middle section of the day, where nature based learning is in North energy, we continue activities based on the inquiry topic, such as sensory walks, story telling, foraging, scavenger hunts, ensuring learning is closely linked with fun! Children learn a new nature game each session which is a fun way to engage before lunch.

After lunch, the North West energy slows us down a little and nature craft fills the afternoon. Children are offered the opportunity to make a variety of nature craft items to take home at the end of the day. This encourages deeper sensory connection to nature, and allows children to express their creativity.

At the end of the day, children have time for a Sit Spot where they take time on their own in nature to reflect. We then gather back together in circle to share stories from the day, and share thanks to those who joined us.

INCURSIONS

Our nature-based incursions are designed to connect students (and teachers) to the natural world around them. Our sessions are designed to help children build a deeper connection to the land and empower belonging to place. We believe outdoor play and hands-on experiences are a vital part and prefer to use natural spaces within your school or centre to achieve this. We work closely with you to ensure your individual requirements and any particular topics are addressed during your incursion (i.e. linking to Victorian School Curriculum). Our promise is that learning will be made fun and impactful.

Our short program is designed to run for approximately 1.5hrs for each class. We can accommodate multiple classes over the one day if required, each receiving the same information. It is recommended that a maximum of 25 students attend at any one time.

If you would like to extend your student's nature learning experience, we can design a program to run for the whole school day, timed around your existing snack and lunch breaks. This full-day program allows the students to gain a deeper connection to nature and a chance to build more meaningful connections. More extensive content is delivered and includes our nature craft program in the afternoon.

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EXCURSIONS

If you would like to further enhance your student's nature learning experience, we can design a program similar to our incursion offering, but at local parks and gardens. Our recommendation is for students to undertake two to three full day programs, however single day programs are also available. Experience shows that when children return to the same place on multiple occasions, it encourages a deeper connection to nature, a chance to build more meaningful relationships and allows for more extensive, consecutive content delivery.

We use the Nature-Based Learning Cycle to ensure activities are appropriately scheduled throughout the day. This ensures that children receive the best learnings at the best times of the day to help embed connection.

We remain as flexible as we can to help accommodate your school's or centre's individual needs, and the needs of the children. Wherever they can be immersed in nature is wonderful, however, offsite locations add a certain depth

which emphasises learnings and excitement.

Note: programs can be designed as a mix of

Incursions and Excursions and have part of the

day onsite, with another part at a local park

(if within walking distance).