Bush Kinder

Originating in Scandinavia in the 1950’s, the forest schools’ approach has been used as a framework for Bush Kinder in Australia, where children are encouraged to play in, and learn from, our natural environment. 

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Bush Kinder was developed in response to research that shows outdoor activities in a natural environment are extremely beneficial to children’s health, wellbeing and development. At Doncaster East Pre-School, our Bush Kinder sessions are part of our 4 year old Kindergarten Program and are run at the nearby Zerbes Reserve, Doncaster East. 

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Key features of the Bush Kinder approach include:

•             Children spend long and regular periods of time in unstructured or semi-structured play in natural environments all year round

•             Children experience the daily and seasonal fluctuations of weather and seasons

•             No toys or tools, the Bush Kinder experience enables children to play with whatever nature has provided, leaving only a footprint behind.

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They will have the opportunity to play in the rain, balance along fallen logs, get involved in dramatic play, find insects and draw with sticks on the ground. Each child’s developmental progression, advancing skill levels and particular interests will be noted by their teachers. The teachers will use this knowledge to support the children’s learning just as they do at home kinder.

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Teachers will support children as they take the risk and face challenges essential to well-rounded learning. Stories will be told, knowledge will be shared, songs will be sung.

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Through play your children will connect with and respect this space. They will connect with their land in a way that cannot be done under a roof or within walls.

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