Learning in the great outdoors is among the many benefits of kindergarten.
Just ask the children at Moe Early Learning Centre, where the Preschool children have been participating in Bush Kinder every Wednesday at Edward Hunter Reserve in Moe.
Bush Kinder provides children with the chance to explore: embark on bear hunts, search for insects, enjoy short bush walks, learn about nature, climb trees and build huts from sticks.
“The smiles on the children’s faces are proof of how much fun they have while learning at kindergarten,” Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said.
“Research shows that early education sets children up for the future, as they gain skills they can use throughout their lives. That’s why Latrobe City Council is encouraging parents to enrol their children in kindergarten for 2022.
“The Bush Kinder program allows children the opportunity to take safe measurable risks, using natural materials to explore their own capabilities, build strength and confidence.
“Research shows that playing in nature benefits children’s wellbeing, social and emotional development, cognitive language and physical skill development.”
Mud, sand, water, leaves, sticks, pine cones and gum nuts can help to stimulate children's immune system as well as their imagination.
“Through the endless opportunities the natural environment provides, children can increase and expand their imaginations, creativity and storytelling using natural props,” Cr Gibson said.
Enrolments for three and four-year-old kindergarten at centres operated by Council are now open and can be made online at www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/kinder