As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air settles over Western Australia, there is no better time to celebrate the simple, transformative power of the great outdoors. Nature Play Week (running from April 11th – 22nd) is a dedicated time to reflect on why getting our hands dirty and our feet moving in natural spaces is so vital for our youngest learners.

At its heart, nature play is not just about being "outside"; it is about unstructured exploration. It is the mud pies made in a rainy corner, the "treasure" found in a fallen banksia pod, and the quiet wonder of watching a ladybug crawl across a leaf.

Part of the Atlantis Group Philosophy is the Reggio Emilia setting, where children are invited into a world of natural spaces with blurred boundaries and “loose parts” play.

The natural world is the “third teacher” and our play areas are equipped with the resources to support this. From wooden trays that display seed pods, leaves and stones to indoor potted plants that help children feel connected to nature. These environments are adaptable for imaginative play – turning a stick into a wand or using the shadows of the trees to create stories.

The relevance of this time focuses not only on the mental and physical regulation of being outdoors and in nature, but it also cultivates a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world from an early age.

Photos taken from various centres within the Atlantis Group, and Tall Tree Early Learning Centres.

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