Nature Play WA
Supporting the mental & physical health of WA kids, by connecting to nature through outdoor play.
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We are SO excited that Nature Play in the Park is back for 2024! π₯³π±
Here`s some of our wonderful Rockingham families at week one, making nature boats and identifying colours in the park`s natural environment.
We also introduced our welcome and goodbye songs, and talked about the importance of play in the early years.
Nature boats is always such a popular activity, and something you can do at your local park with a lake or stream. Just gather some fallen leaves, add a twig or stick to make a `sail` , and see if you can get your boat floating!
We are SO excited that Nature Play in the Park is back for 2024! π₯³π±
Here`s some of our wonderful Rockingham families at week one, making nature boats and identifying colours in the park`s natural environment.
We also introduced our welcome and goodbye songs, and talked about the importance of play in the early years.
Nature boats is always such a popular activity, and something you can do at your local park with a lake or stream. Just gather some fallen leaves, add a twig or stick to make a `sail` , and see if you can get your boat floating!
Why it matters π±
Because look at those happy faces! π Research tells us that nature play can build confidence and resilience, increase physical activity, boost mood, and encourage creativity, curiousity, and a care for the natural world - just to name a few!
Play is also an important way children explore culture and relationships and develop a connection to their place and community.
Want the facts? Check these out:
π Play accounts for 42% of Australian childrenβs physical activity (Active, Healthy Kids Australia, 2014)
π Opportunity for free play in childhood is a predictor of social success and individual adaptability (Greve & Thomson, 2016; Barker et al, 2014; Lillard et al., 2013)
π Children who do not have opportunities to play, particularly outdoors and with other children, demonstrate increased evidence of anxiety, depression, feelings of helplessness and narcissism (Gray, 2011; Jarvis, Newman & Swiniarski, 2014)
π Children who are physically active outdoors have enhanced psychological wellbeing and reductions in stress, anxiety and depression (AEDC, 2016)
Learn more about nature play by clicking the link in our bio, and heading to our website.
Why it matters π±
Because look at those happy faces! π Research tells us that nature play can build confidence and resilience, increase physical activity, boost mood, and encourage creativity, curiousity, and a care for the natural world - just to name a few!
Play is also an important way children explore culture and relationships and develop a connection to their place and community.
Want the facts? Check these out:
π Play accounts for 42% of Australian childrenβs physical activity (Active, Healthy Kids Australia, 2014)
π Opportunity for free play in childhood is a predictor of social success and individual adaptability (Greve & Thomson, 2016; Barker et al, 2014; Lillard et al., 2013)
π Children who do not have opportunities to play, particularly outdoors and with other children, demonstrate increased evidence of anxiety, depression, feelings of helplessness and narcissism (Gray, 2011; Jarvis, Newman & Swiniarski, 2014)
π Children who are physically active outdoors have enhanced psychological wellbeing and reductions in stress, anxiety and depression (AEDC, 2016)
Learn more about nature play by clicking the link in our bio, and heading to our website.
Itβs February, and Nature Play WA`s offices are on Whadjuk Noongar Country, so Bunuru is rolling in! βοΈ
Bunuru is one of the six Noongar seasons (bonar). Occurring around February and March, Bunuru is also known as the season of adolescence and the hottest part of the year!
With little (or no) rain, and hot easterly morning winds changing to cooling sea breezes, itβs a good time of year to spend by the beach and on rivers. Because of this, Noongar people would eat lots of freshwater foods and seafood during Bunuru.
Bunuru is also the time of white flowers, with many white flowering gums blooming making a spectacular display during the seasonβs bright, sunlit days. Have you seen them in bloom?
Another flower to look out for is that of the female Jeeriji, or Zamia. The cone emerges from the centre of the plant, and as the hot, dry weather continues, the seeds upon the cone change from green to bright red. This indicates they`re ripening, however, the seeds are toxic if not prepared correctly. Noongar people would use parts of the Jeeriji for food and medicine.
Learn more about the Noongar seasons here:
derbalnara.org.au/boodjar-six-seasons
noongarculture.org.au/
This information about Bunuru is from Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation and Bureau of Meteorology.
Itβs February, and Nature Play WA`s offices are on Whadjuk Noongar Country, so Bunuru is rolling in! βοΈ
Bunuru is one of the six Noongar seasons (bonar). Occurring around February and March, Bunuru is also known as the season of adolescence and the hottest part of the year!
With little (or no) rain, and hot easterly morning winds changing to cooling sea breezes, itβs a good time of year to spend by the beach and on rivers. Because of this, Noongar people would eat lots of freshwater foods and seafood during Bunuru.
Bunuru is also the time of white flowers, with many white flowering gums blooming making a spectacular display during the seasonβs bright, sunlit days. Have you seen them in bloom?
Another flower to look out for is that of the female Jeeriji, or Zamia. The cone emerges from the centre of the plant, and as the hot, dry weather continues, the seeds upon the cone change from green to bright red. This indicates they`re ripening, however, the seeds are toxic if not prepared correctly. Noongar people would use parts of the Jeeriji for food and medicine.
Learn more about the Noongar seasons here:
derbalnara.org.au/boodjar-six-seasons
noongarculture.org.au/
This information about Bunuru is from Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation and Bureau of Meteorology.
Ready to jump into the weekend liiiiike π
Do you have any nature play plans this weekend? They could be as simple as spending time out in the backyard, or visiting your local park!
πΈ Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
Ready to jump into the weekend liiiiike π
Do you have any nature play plans this weekend? They could be as simple as spending time out in the backyard, or visiting your local park!
πΈ Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
What we do π³
We support nature play through advocacy, research, consultation, resources, events and more.
π We don`t build playgrounds - a common misconception π
- but we do love consulting with kids and communities on nature spaces with or without `play` equipment!
π Our advocacy includes sharing the story of nature play through the news - you might`ve seen or heard our CEO, Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, on the news, in the paper, or on the radio - and here, on social media.
π Our resources include apps to encourage children to play and explore outside, teaching resources for educators to help take learning outside, and to-do lists and outdoor activity ideas for families, all of which can be found on our website (link in bio).
π Research is part of everything we do. We collate and share research related to nature play on our website, and we are increasingly incorporating research in every stage of our own programs and projects.
π We also create events for local governments and other organisations that bring families together to play, connect, and experience the benefits of the outdoors.
What we do π³
We support nature play through advocacy, research, consultation, resources, events and more.
π We don`t build playgrounds - a common misconception π
- but we do love consulting with kids and communities on nature spaces with or without `play` equipment!
π Our advocacy includes sharing the story of nature play through the news - you might`ve seen or heard our CEO, Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, on the news, in the paper, or on the radio - and here, on social media.
π Our resources include apps to encourage children to play and explore outside, teaching resources for educators to help take learning outside, and to-do lists and outdoor activity ideas for families, all of which can be found on our website (link in bio).
π Research is part of everything we do. We collate and share research related to nature play on our website, and we are increasingly incorporating research in every stage of our own programs and projects.
π We also create events for local governments and other organisations that bring families together to play, connect, and experience the benefits of the outdoors.
Looking for some last minute activities to round-out the school holidays?
One of our favourite ways to spend a summer morning or evening is at an awesome nature playground/play space! And, if you`re looking for some recommendations, we`ve got the list for you.
Our Top Nature Play Spaces resources features four categories of play spaces: The Big Four, Hidden Gems, Regional Rippers and Special Mentions. Check it out via the link in our bio, or on our free Play in WA web app.
What`s your favourite nature play space? Hint: it doesn`t need to have any equipment!
Looking for some last minute activities to round-out the school holidays?
One of our favourite ways to spend a summer morning or evening is at an awesome nature playground/play space! And, if you`re looking for some recommendations, we`ve got the list for you.
Our Top Nature Play Spaces resources features four categories of play spaces: The Big Four, Hidden Gems, Regional Rippers and Special Mentions. Check it out via the link in our bio, or on our free Play in WA web app.
What`s your favourite nature play space? Hint: it doesn`t need to have any equipment!