CREEK KINDY
At Creek Kindy, we walk down Ashton Street in our pairs, like tiny explorers setting off on a grand adventure! The trees whisper to us as we pass, and we peek up into their branches to spot secret birds’ nests tucked away like treasure. Sometimes we even climb the trees, pretending we’re perched in our own lookout towers above the world.
When we reach the water, the creek becomes our magical world. We dip our nets in and sometimes tiny fish shimmer into them like shiny jewels. Water Dragons stretch out on warm rocks, pretending they’re mighty dragons guarding their kingdom!
Every trip to Creek and Green Space, feels like we are stepping into a story... and we get to be the ones who discover what happens next!
In the Beginning...
As educators, we began wondering how we could help the children feel even more connected to the creek. We couldn’t access it through the back gate, but we knew there had to be another way. And then we found our Creek Kindy sites - open grass, cool shade, trees perfect for climbing, wildflowers scattered everywhere, and even a little waterfall. It felt like all our hopes gathered in one place.
With our staff trained in Bush Kindy practices, we were ready. It mattered to us that Creek Kindy didn’t sit outside our everyday program, so we started by introducing ropes, carabiners and simple tools right here at Kindy. We talked about safety, practised drills, and discussed what we might see and do long before our first visit.
Creek Kindy and Kindy work together, always connected, never separate, one enriching the other as the children explore, learn and grow.
“Nature pedagogy is the practice of teaching and learning with and in nature. It encompasses the importance of culture, community and the sustainability of our natural world. It fosters children’s holistic development and wellbeing through play and hands on authentic and meaningful experiences. The approach fosters a sense of wonder, exploration and discovery through inquiry-based learning that is child led”. - Nature Play QLD