Nature-based Learning is on the Rise
‘A significant and growing body of rigorous research supports the benefits of nature experience for all children of all ages’. Trust for Learning
I am excited to announce the appointment of our new Terrey Hills Garden Coordinator, Mrs Chara LaForest, who engaged with Early Entry, Year 1 and Year 4 this week. I have worked with Chara previously and know her to be an outstanding teacher. Chara will be working collaboratively with Mrs Anna Bainbridge (Kitchen Coordinator), and our other Prep teachers to provide rich learning experiences.
Both anecdotally and through our 2022 MMG Survey, it is clear that the program at Terrey Hills is highly valued. When parents were asked their view on the number of visits their son has to the Outdoor Learning Centre, 61% of parents noted the number of visits to be 'about right' and 38% noted it to be 'too few/far too few'. When responding to the statement, ‘My son enjoys learning at Terrey Hills’, 97% agreed. When Year 5 and 6 students responded to a similar statement, 97% also agreed.
Previously I have mentioned that boys require an education that is relevant and purposeful with clear learning intentions and appropriate scaffolding; opportunities for meaningful movement, collaboration, critical thinking and hands-on manipulation. Cooking pizzas at Terrey Hills, involving the creation of a budget and working with measurement (mathematics), reading and following recipes (literacy), discussing healthy eating and sustainability, collaborating, cleaning, and eating in community (life skills) is a clear example of learning targeted at the needs of boys.
However, the value of the Terrey Hills Program runs even deeper…
Overwhelming and well-documented research demonstrates that experiences in nature promote physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing—lifetime building blocks for development. Yet, young children, who delight in the natural world, are increasingly separated from nature and learn largely within the four walls of their schools. Today’s children spend less than half the time playing outdoors than their parents did.
“Outdoor Learning – also known as Outdoor Education – is learning about, with, and through the natural world. The upward trend towards nature-based solutions and outdoor learning in our schools is gaining momentum in 2023…Undoubtedly, this is a positive step towards promoting student health and wellbeing.” Professor Tonia Gray, Senior Researcher Western Sydney University
“Drawing from her own research, Professor Gray said contact with nature can enhance a child’s creativity, improve cognitive functioning, psycho-social wellbeing, cultivate risk-taking and self-reliance, exploration and experimentation, and promote physical fitness and active engagement. These challenging activities develop their physical capabilities, problem-solving skills, resiliency, and teamwork. Moreover, children also learn to appreciate nature and develop a sense of environmental stewardship.”
“In short, ‘nature plus’ learning is a ‘superfood’ for students. Contact with nature has a myriad of developmental benefits.”
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
Reference:
Why Nature-based Learning is on the Rise (2023) - The Educator, Australia
Link - The Educator Online/Why-Naturebased-Learning-is-on-the-Rise
Nurturing All Children in Nature (2023) Ideal Learning Made Real for All - Ideal Learning in the Natural World - Trust for Learning
Link - Trust for Learning/Practice-Nurturing-all-Children-in-Nature
