Learning among the leaves: Families enjoy the outdoor fun.
Mooroopna North Primary School’s new nature playgroup is all about bringing it back to the basics.
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The group provides a welcoming space for young kids and their families to connect with nature and the community and let their imaginations run wild.
“We wanted to give a head start and a glimpse of what school is like for these children while taking it back to the basics: playing in the bush with the leaves and mud and exploring,” principal Rebecca Brown said.
“Each session is based on a different book; the first session was Wombat Stew (by Marcia Vaughan). The children collected sticks, dirt and leaves as ‘ingredients’ to make their own wombat stew.
“This week’s theme was We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.”
Like the family in the iconic Michael Rosen book, the kids crafted binoculars from paper toilet rolls and embarked on an adventure through the bush to find the bear, who was eventually discovered relaxing in a tepee.
The group saw an excellent turnout in its first two sessions.
“There were a lot of different families last night, and it was good to see dads coming along too, not just mums,” Mrs Brown said.
While there are a lot of playgroups around, the school wanted to capitalise on its location and give children a safe place to explore and enjoy the natural world.
“We’re out in the bush, and it’s fenced and safe, with outside toilets for use,” Mrs Brown said.
“A lot of our staff (at the school) were early childhood trained as well.”
‘Wild’-life sighting: Children had a meet and greet with a lizard, one of the primary school’s pets.
Each session includes a free, healthy morning tea featuring fresh fruit, vegetables and sandwiches.
• The Nature Playgroup runs every Wednesday 9.30am to 11am at Mooroopna North Primary School. For more information, visit the school’s Facebook page.
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