“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” — Albert Einstein

In an increasingly digital world, the value of nature-based play is more vital than ever. For young children, connecting with the natural environment isn’t just refreshing, it’s essential for their growth, wellbeing, and sense of wonder.

Nature offers what no screen can: open-ended play, sensory experiences, and real-world learning that fosters curiosity and resilience. When children touch soil, feel the sun, or listen to birdsong, they’re not just playing. They’re learning to observe, empathise, and explore.

Good practice might look like this: setting up a nature table filled with leaves, seed pods, bark, and feathers gathered from the yard or a walk. Children are invited to explore the textures and talk about where the items might have come from, encouraging both language development and environmental awareness.

Connecting children to nature also offers a meaningful way to embed First Nations perspectives in daily learning. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have deep and continuous relationships with Country, grounded in respect, responsibility, and connection. By acknowledging and exploring these perspectives with children, such as learning local names for animals, observing seasonal changes, or engaging in storytelling connected to land, educators help build understanding, appreciation, and a sense of shared custodianship.

Educators play a pivotal role in nurturing this connection. By weaving outdoor experiences into everyday routines, we give children the chance to slow down and tune in. Nature becomes a co-teacher, guiding discovery, inspiring creativity, and offering calm.

Let’s keep the outdoors central to early learning. When we nurture a child’s bond with nature, we grow something powerful: grounded, curious, and connected human beings.