Nature play is good for kids. It makes them healthier, happier and
more intelligent and should be a fundamental part of childhood.
We must adopt strategies to encourage families and children to recreate
regularly outdoors with confidence in their natural environment.
Narelle delivers hands on training to a range of sectors in our natural
environment. Narelle’s training sessions will inspire and motivate,
enabling you to develop confidence in your work with children outdoors.
To request a current training schedule from Narelle please contact
her via this link
“Training was extremely practical , hands on and tailored to my needs. Far exceeded my expectations. So much fun! Thanks for the great resources to take and implement back in my workplace with children. Delightful to also witness the joy of children engaging in nature play with their families” Emma.
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Follow this link to request up to date details of school holiday/after school programs,
held at The Briars, Mt.Martha, Victoria.
“Natured Kids school holiday Mini Junior Ranger programs are very educational and fun. A great way for my children to explore their world with confidence and learn to respect and care for their natural environment. Natured Kids activities help turn my intentions into action” Helen.
Narelle presents at many public speaking events and is available to run workshops to inspire nature play and learning within our natural world.
In March 09’ Narelle attended the “Get Outside! It’s in our Nature” forum, as an Australian representative at the Royal Roads University of Victoria in Canada, with Richard Louv (Author of the book: ‘Last Child in the Woods: Saving our children from Nature Deficit Disorder’) and other members of the Children and Nature Network and Canadian Child Nature Alliance.
Narelle was a guest speaker at the International ‘Healthy Parks, Healthy People’ Congress in Melbourne during April of 2010 and ran a workshop titled “How to map your local area for healthy, happy family fun”.
Narelle was invited to present at the Playgroup Victoria ‘Partners in Play Conference’ held October 2010, about the importance of nature play for children during their formative years.
Narelle spoke at the first VCNC ‘Victorian Child Nature Connection’ event, and City of Casey ‘Child Friendly Cities events’.
See Incursions for examples of workshops and events Narelle runs in public and private venues, childcare centres, pre-schools, schools
or at your chosen location..
Narelle believes it is so important for children to have meaningful connections with nature prior to starting school. If children are ‘experience rich’ this can greatly assist with their early literacy development.
Narelle shares her suggestions for outdoor nature play with babies and toddlers, via this article 'Time to step out to the Great Outdoors'. Published in the Herald Sun, September 18th, 2011
Narelle has created checklists of outdoor activities and adventures you can enjoy with your children at home and in your local wider community.
Rainbow sunflower seed planting for 3000 children
at 'Party in the Park', Cruden Farm, Langwarrin.
Narelle is available to provide 'nature play' educational experiences at your chosen venue.
To request Narelle’s involvement at your chosen venue contact via this link.
2011 Pride of Australia Environmental Awards,
for inspiring nature play for families.
Natured Kids is an outdoor playgroup promoting lifelong care of and commitment to our environment. Children 0-6yrs and their families, visit different natural locations for nature play and to participate in environmental activities.
Venues include flora and fauna reserves, local beaches, community parks & gardens, wetlands, and bird hides, galleries & sculpture parks & agricultural farms.
Examples of some of the weekly environmental activities may be:
* creating creature habitats (eg.for butterflies, lizards, birds, frogs, bats and other insects)
* learning to grow food in a local community vegetable garden and visits to agricultural farms.
* planting indigenous plants in bushland and beside waterways and investigating, playing in and cleaning up natural bushland reserves
* leisure/scientific activities at the beach and ponding/bird watching in wetlands.
* recycling and up-cycling various materials within the program for craft/sculpture and gardening activities.
* critter hunting and bug identification in billabongs and other waterways. making connections with other environmental organisations, within our community.
Parents/grandparents/carers get to participate with their children in relevant songs, activities, stories, games, rhymes and craft.
Kids immune systems are healthier if they have exposure to fresh air all seasons and sessions continue even if raining. Families are encouraged to dress for the weather.
‘Natured Kids’ recognises that bonds are strengthened, communication flows and memories are made when parents/grandparents and children share the same experiences in nature.
Go to: Training | School Holiday/After School Program | Public Speaking and Workshops | At Home | Excursions | Incursions
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