In recent years, Australians have been inspired by the Scandinavian style of education, the Forest Kindergarten or ‘Skogsmulle’ in Swedish, and the value that they place on outdoor play and learning from a very young age. This is probably why Bush Playgroups are becoming highly sought after in the Blue Mountains, as we realise that playing outdoors is essential for young developing bodies and brains. Bush Playgroups (or Bush Kindy) in the Blue Mountains, are provided by some preschools, including Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten and are designed to nurture holistic learning and development.

What is a Bush Playgroup?

Bush Playgroups are similar to regular playgroups as they are set up with formal and informal opportunities for children to explore nature, socialise with other children, develop fine and gross motor skills and learn to appreciate and understand the world around them in an outdoor bush environment. There is so much fun to be had at a Bush Playgroup and kids are limited only by their imagination!

Why Is Nature Education So Important?

“The bush serves as a multi-sensory learning environment that awakens the child’s imagination and allows them to just be. The benefits of nature play are broad and across all areas of the child’s development and social learning, and include physical, social and emotional wellbeing and development.

“It gives children the time, skills and abilities to problem solve, risk take, make decisions, collaborate with others, follow their interests and develop a love and appreciation of their natural world.” Deirdre Wilde – Director Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten.

Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten Bush Playgroup

Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten started its Bush Playgroup this year as an extension of its Bush Preschool Program. They responded to the community’s interest in additional early learning programs for children since places for three-year-olds at preschool were very limited due to limited state funding.

Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten’s Bush Playgroup is run by two experienced and qualified early childhood educators. It aims to provide an experience where parents/carers and children can connect with each other and nature.

The morning starts with a gentle rhythm consisting of creative nature-based experiences, song, circle time, meanderings in nature and lots of exploration through free play.

Location

Bushland in Mount Riverview

Time

Wednesday mornings from 9.30 am – 12.00 pm

Cost

$15 per session (current price in 2020, subject to change).

Do I Need To Book?

Yes, BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. As this is a very popular program you will need to put your name down on the waiting list, by calling the preschool or emailing your interest at admin@blaxlandpreschool.com.au.

At Bush Playgroup Your Child Will:

Spend quality time outdoors engaging in lots of sensory, messy play!
Have opportunities for spontaneous and undirected time playing in a wild space.
Develop gross motor and physical skills by navigating and balancing on different terrains like fallen logs and rocks, running, climbing, and bushwalking.
Have opportunities to help build and cook on the campfire.

Discover, explore, and create with natural, found materials.
Observe what happens in the bushland around us and the changes in the seasons.
Learn about sustainability and caring for the bushland that surrounds us.

Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten also runs a wonderful Bush Preschool program.

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Innovative and Captivating Blue Mountains Bush Playgroup – Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten

Innovative and Captivating Blue Mountains Bush Playgroup – Blaxland Preschool Kindergarten

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