This 84-page guide has a strong focus on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of families, including providing accessible, nature-based methods that can be practiced at home, your neighbourhood and nearby nature.
50 curriculum connections for loose parts investigations.
Each one provides a springboard for further learning.
Subject Area: Loose Parts
This article explains why getting dirty in the garden can be even more beneficial for mental health than previously thought. Antidepressant microbes in soil may increase production of serotonin, a stress reducing hormone in humans. The Mycobacterium vaccae bacterium was tested both by injection and ingestion on rats, and the results were increased cognitive ability, lower stress and better concentration on tasks than a control group. Includes links to original research.
This article takes an evolutionary perspective of children’s risky play, looking at evolutionary functions and the anti-phobic effects of risky play.
According to non-associative theory, infants develop fear of things (like heights and strangers) to protect them from situations they are not mature enough to naturally cope with. Risky play provides children with the experience of facing situations they were previously scared of, coupled with a thrilling positive emotion. As they learn to cope with these situations and gain a sense of mastery, their fear no longer holds power.
The authors conclude that risky play may have evolved as a natural phobia reducing developmental mechanism and that consequently, being hindered from taking part in age appropriate risky play may in fact increase the likelihood of mental health problems later in life.
This report from the National Wildlife Federation reveals how getting down and dirty in the great outdoors — far from being a bad thing — has many benefits. Mud play builds children’s immune systems, strengthens their cardiovascular system, assists skin with healing, improves mood, facilitates learning and decreases anxiety. It also explains why children who do not spend time outside run the risk of developing serious health issues like obesity, myopia and vitamin D deficiency.
This study examined the effects of increased opportunities for nature play and risky play in the outdoor environments of two childcare centres. Researchers used the ‘Seven Cs’ play space design criteria, and added natural materials. They measured changes in play, social behaviour, psychological wellbeing, and physical activity in 45 children aged 2 to 5. Findings showed significant decreases in depressed affect, antisocial behaviour and moderate to vigorous physical activity, and increases in play with natural materials, independent play, and prosocial behaviours. Early Childhood Educators observed improved socialisation, problem-solving, focus, self-regulation, creativity and self-confidence. Educators also noted a reduction in children’s stress, boredom and injuries, concluding that outdoor play spaces are important for promoting children’s wellbeing and development.
Year Level: Early Years
Subject Area: Risk
This systematic review examines the relationship between risk in outdoor play and children’s health, with the aim of informing debate around the benefits vs harm of this type of play. The researchers evaluated 21 relevant papers addressing the effect on health indicators and behaviours from three types of risky play and supporting environments. The results showed overall positive effects of risky outdoor play on health indicators and behaviours including physical activity and social health, aggression and injury.
Subject Area: Risk
Current research shows that our children are more anxious and depressed than at any other time in history. Psychologist and mother of two, Kristina Towill, shares why play is critical to children’s brain development and why free, unstructured play outdoors with friends is the easiest and most effective way for children to learn essential life skills and competencies. Includes advice on how to take action and create change.
Length: 7m : 14s
Current research shows that our children are more anxious and depressed than at any other time in history. Psychologist and mother of two, Kristina Towill, shares why play is critical to children’s brain development and why free, unstructured play outdoors with friends is the easiest and most effective way for children to learn essential life skills and competencies. Includes advice on how to take action and create change.
Length: 8m : 55s
This clip from Gardening Australia has presenter Sophie Thomson visiting Upper Sturt Primary school where the bush is their classroom. Gives examples of experiential learning in practice and the health benefits for children (and adults) of bringing learning outdoors in nature.
Length: 5m : 35s