Children instinctively learn through play

They learn about self, others and the environment through interactions

Play can be through exploration, physical movement, construction or imaginative role-play

Play helps understanding of rules of both physics and society

Play needs to be self-chosen and self-directed

The best learning through play happens when children are active, alert and relaxed

Children grow their ability to perform general and specific actions with their bodies

Movement of the body helps to support the development of cognitive abilities

Learning is affected heavily by the way children develop the ability to use their bodies

Gross motor skills are needed to develop fine motor skills

Children need to be able to climb a tree before being able to write a sentence

There are many more senses than the five we all learnt about at school

Children need whole body tactile experiences to develop their brains with their senses

Good sensory integration gives children an accurate mental representation of the world

Strong tactile perception and good motor planning assists in navigating the world

Proprioception and Equilibrioception are developed more rapidly when interacting in the outdoors

Multisensory integration is needed for active attention and focus

Nature provides a variety of different surfaces and materials to explore

Opportunities for Sensory Risk Taking are crucial for developing the whole brain

Challenges increase children’s abilities to find their limits and then develop ways to expand

Children use the fear in risk-taking to self-assess danger

Risk encourages learning, self-development, resilience building and excitement

Nature provides experiences of risk and management of risky situations

Children need to be in control of their own choices to confront fear and challenge

Children are capable and can carry out many actions independently

When children are independently successful they build a positive and capable self-identity

Strong self-identity builds confidence for tasks at home and school in future years

Regularly meeting a community of children and adults extends sense of belonging

Connection to a place regularly is important in building connection to the environment

Children’s brains seek meaning in experiences they encounter

Open-ended activities invite children to explore, ask questions, experiment, play and create

Natural spaces have infinite elements that inspire and engage curious minds

Nature and other materials can be brought together and presented in inspiring ways

All people need opportunities to be physically active

Walking barefoot activates tactile senses, develops the foot arch, massages and grounds the body

Green spaces calm our emotions and create a sense of peace

Green is good for the eyes and helps strengthen the muscles in the eyes 

Close connection with nature creates a sense of safety, comfort and belonging

Developing connection and love for creatures and plants

Learning to share, give and take turns during play

Using senses to identify our feelings and the feelings of others

Building awareness in nature helps to build awareness in communities