Using Mother Nature to educate children is nothing new but having an outreach of Port Macquarie’s Nature School in the shire, at Grassy Head, certainly is.
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Based on the German idea of Waldkindergarten (forest kindergarten), two years ago Sybil Juzwiak Doyle and two friends founded The Nature School (TNS) to offer young children more opportunities to enjoy “trees, mud and puddles”.
“Our vision is that all children learn from and within nature,” Sybil said.
“It's been two years now that we have been running our 100 per cent outdoor education program for children of preschool age. We also run a playgroup for younger children and their families. The Grassy Head program will be for children of 3+ years.
“One of our educators, Yvonne Brown, lives in the shire and will be guiding the program at Yarrahappini Youth Centre on Fridays between 9am and 3pm, together with two other educators for up to 15 children.”
Sybil said the program worked particularly well for children who were shy or over active in a classroom environment.
“They thrive in our programs, when are they are able to lead their own play and learning, climb trees, play in the rain (when it comes) and roll in the mud.”
The group will run for ten weeks starting the week October 9 to December 22, costing $60 per day (including venue charge) – commitment for the full term is requested. Parents are welcome to volunteer.
For more information email info@thenatureschool.org.au or go to www.thenatureschool.org.au