Riverside Nature Program
* Mondays 9am-3pm
+ a term roster for each child Wednesdays & Thursdays
Riverside Nature Program (RNP) is an innovative program, which stemmed from our Riverside Play program at Possum’s Preschool back in Condong. We wanted to extend the program and formalise the process for childhood, being more intentional and dedicated to learning and connecting on and with country. This was initiated first as a dedicated program on Mondays, and now for each child enrolled at Possums on a rotating roster two additional days through the week. RNP is based on the Scandinavian approach to early childhood education known as Forest School. The Forest School approach has had a large impact on early childhood education right across the world including the UK, North America, New Zealand and, more recently, Australia. The key aspect of the Forest School approach is that children spend long periods of time outside all year round.
Our Riverside children are involved in unstructured, child-led play and exploration within the local natural environment; this supports holistic growth and development, healthy risk-taking, independence and confidence.
They use real tools, light their own real fires, build ladders, shelters, mini golf courses and rafts and are dynamic in risk intelligence. The benefits of nature play for children, families, educators and the community are bountiful and supported by research; they include mental and emotional wellbeing, cognitive, social, physical and health development (as listed by Nature Play QLD).
The power of play in nature....
