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10 Articles

Nature play × May 2021 ×

Pebbles, puddles, and the possibilities of nature play

A commotion erupted along the bush kinder path. “Move back! It’s a leech!” Evie announced, arms stretched wide like a pint-sized superhero, holding her friends at bay as they leaned in for a closer lo...

Bush kinder Cup-Filling Nature play Pedagogy STEAM connecting first nations nature pebbles puddles

27 Nov 2025

Barefoot isn’t just for Babies

In early childhood, barefoot play is often celebrated. But in School Age Care (SAC), shoes are frequently the default - kept on from the classroom to the OSHC space. What if we paused and asked: what ...

Barefoot Children's autonomy Children's development Children's wellbeing Nature play OSHC, OOSH & SAC Sensory experiences

9 Sep 2025 Blog

Reclaiming Play

Let’s face it: childhood today looks a bit different than it used to. When was the last time you saw a child climb a tree like it was Mount Everest or turn a pile of sticks into a pirate ship? If you ...

Barefoot Children and technology Children's development Children's wellbeing Emotional regulation in children Fine motor skills Flow in early years Group time Loose parts Nature play Physicality Play-based learning Risky play Sensory development Sensory play Sensory processing Wellbeing and exercise

12 Jan 2025 Blog

Filling our Cups: How relationships transformed the data at Kinglake Ranges

Ever wondered what embedding the Phoenix Cups Framework into your service philosophy might achieve? Written by Mim Brown, Phoenix Support for Educators Download this Article Please subscribe below to ...

Barefoot Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Bush kinder Children's wellbeing Connection Cup® Educational Leader Educator wellbeing Loose parts National Quality Standard (NQS) Nature play Pedagogy Positive psychology Random acts of kindness Risky play Social and emotional learning The Phoenix Cups® Framework

1 Aug 2023 Blog

The Advocate for Childhood

Let’s discuss ‘that child’ found in many education and care settings. However, let’s not label him ‘that child’, and respectfully use his real name, Jacob. Jacob is spirited, energetic and a non-confo...

Child-led learning Childhood advocacy Flow in early years Freedom Cup® Group time Intrinsic motivation Nature play Play advocacy Professional development Risky play School readiness Sensory development The Phoenix Cups® Framework The delight of childhood

30 Jun 2021 Blog

“I’m into risky play...BUT”

DOWNLOAD PDF PRINTABLE HERE >>> ” The new “I’m not racist...BUT” of early childhood. It’s too conclusive to argue with - the research is out, nearly every professional development, conference, blog po...

Child safety Educational Leader Emotional resilience in children Flow in early years Nature play Play-based learning Professional development Risk assessment Risky play

24 Jun 2021

Getting started with Bush Kinder - Part 2

What exactly is Bush Kinder? Bush Kinder is a general term used for facilitated place session with children in nature. Ideally, bush kinder will involve free time for children to explore a natural env...

Bush kinder Children's development Nature play Pedagogy

31 Jul 2019

Getting started with Bush Kinder

Written by Birdwings Nature, Jennifer McCormack and Narell Neville All children should have the opportunity to engage with nature. Fortunately, it is not difficult to get out and about to learn outsid...

Bush kinder Children's development Nature play Risk assessment Sustainability

30 Jul 2019

A butterfly, a vine and a wish

“Could it be? Could it really be?” I started to get excited. The Bush Club kids looked at me with suspicion as I leapt up and squealed. Fumbling for my phone I tried to capture what I knew was a rare ...

Bush kinder Nature play Sustainability

1 Jul 2019

Get Muddy! No Sanitiser required

A few years ago, this photo would have made me squeamish. Mud. Yuck. Now, I’m an educator advocating for this kind of messy play. In fact, when I sat together with this little man, smooshing mud and s...

Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Barefoot Behaviour guidance Behaviour management Child-led learning Children's health Immune system development Nature play OSHC, OOSH & SAC Pedagogy Reggio approach Sensory development

31 Dec 2013