Nature Explorers
Columbia Park ELC has implemented weekly 'Nature Explorers' as a special part of our program for the children throughout the center. The program occurs in the parkland adjacent to the ELC (on the opposite side of the sports oval) with no toys, no tools, no art supplies; the children and adults benefit from using only what nature has provided, leading their play, learning and investigation with natural materials.
Research around programs such as this, states many benefits: “Increased confidence, motivation and concentration, increased social, physical and language skills, deeper conceptual understandings and respect for the natural environment -Increased social and imaginative play -Teachers understandings of and relationships with the children are deepened, while families and wider community attitudes towards natural places for play and children’s risk management can be enhanced”.