Discover the Magic of Play Schemas in Nature

Children’s play is more than just fun and games; it’s a vital part of their development. One way to understand their play better is by looking at play schema. These are patterns of behaviour that children repeat over and over as they explore and learn about the world around them. Let’s dive into some common play schemas and see how they come to life in a nature setting.

1. Transporting

What is it?

Children love to move objects from one place to another. This can be anything from carrying stones in a bucket to dragging sticks across the yard.

In Nature:

Encourage this schema by providing baskets, buckets, or even a wheelbarrow. Let them gather leaves, rocks, or flowers and move them to different spots. It helps build their muscles and teaches them about quantity and space.

2. Trajectory

What is it?

This involves throwing, dropping, or rolling objects. Kids are fascinated by the paths things take when they move.

In Nature:

Give them balls, pinecones, or sticks to throw and roll down hills or into creeks. This not only satisfies their curiosity but also enhances their hand-eye coordination and understanding of gravity.

3. Enclosing

What is it?

Children create boundaries or enclosures, like building a fence or making a circle with stones.

In Nature:

Show them how to use sticks and rocks to build small enclosures for their toys or nature treasures. This schema helps with understanding concepts of inside and outside, and enhances their spatial awareness.

4. Rotation

What is it?

Kids love spinning, stirring, and anything that involves circular movement.

In Nature:

Introduce them to the joys of rolling logs, stirring water with sticks, or watching leaves swirl in the wind. This schema supports their understanding of cause and effect and improves their motor skills.

5. Positioning

What is it?

Children enjoy arranging objects in lines, rows, or specific patterns.

In Nature:

Collect different natural items like stones, leaves, and flowers. Encourage children to arrange them in patterns or sequences. This activity boosts their organisational skills and fosters creativity.

6. Connecting

What is it?

This involves joining things together, whether it’s linking toy trans or tying sticks with string.

In Nature:

Provide materials like twine, sticks, leaves to create natural structures. They can build small bridges or chains of flowers, enhancing their fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

7. Transforming

What is it?

Kids love mixing, moulding, and changing materials, like making mud pies or mixing sand and water.

In Nature:

Encourage this by setting up a mud kitchen or providing access to water and dirt. This schema supports their creativity and understanding of how materials can change state.

Benefits of Nature Play Schemas

Physical Development: Climbing trees, running, and carrying objects all help build strong muscles and coordination.

-Cognitive Growth: Sorting, categorising, and problem-solving are part of many play schemas, boosting brain development.

Emotional Well-being: Being outdoors reduces stress and increases happiness.

Social Skills: Group play helps with communication, cooperation, and understanding others.

Embracing play schemas in a natural environment allows children to explore, learn, and grow in countless ways. By providing opportunities for these play patterns, we support their development and foster a deep connection with nature. So, next time you head outside, think about how you can encourage these playful behaviours and watch the magic of learning unfold! Leanne, Wild Gully

Earlier Is Not Better: Embracing Individual Development in Children

In our fast-paced society, there’s a prevailing belief that earlier is better. We applaud the baby who walks first, the toddler who toilet trains early, and the four-year-old who can already read. However, if we take a closer look at child development and brain growth, we realize that this race to hit milestones as early as possible is not best practice. Understanding that every child is unique and recognizing developmental milestones should not be a competition is crucial for the well-being of both children and their families.

The Pitfall of Early Achievement

The pressure to achieve early milestones can lead to significant stress for both children and parents. Society often rewards early achievements, but research suggests that pushing children to develop skills before they are ready can have negative consequences. Studies have shown that children who are pushed to read and write before entering school are more likely to develop anxiety and emotional issues by the age of eight. These children have not had the opportunity to learn authentically or develop strategies to support their learning, unlike those who learn at their own developmental pace.

Brain Development and the First 1000 Days

Brain development research underscores the importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s life. Nathan Wallis, a renowned neuroscience educator, emphasizes that our day-to-day interactions with children during this period play a critical role in defining their future outcomes. Wallis explains, "Your outcomes are not predetermined just by your genes and it’s not about learning alphabets, numbers or colors. It’s about being in a safe, loving, and interactive environment." The more love and positive interaction children experience in their first 1000 days, the more developed their brains will be, ultimately impacting all aspects of their life-long outcomes.

In this context, it is crucial to understand that pushing children to learn in ways that are not natural for them can hinder their development. Children need to develop critical social and language skills, which are instrumental for their overall growth.

Authentic Learning and Developmental Readiness

Authentic learning occurs when children are developmentally ready. This means allowing children to explore, play, and learn at their own pace, rather than adhering to a rigid timeline of milestones. Research supports the idea that children benefit from being given the time and space to develop skills naturally. For example, a study published in the *Journal of Early Childhood Research* found that children who were allowed to develop literacy skills at their own pace had better outcomes in terms of reading comprehension and enjoyment of reading later in life.

Moreover, the *American Academy of Pediatrics* advocates for a balanced approach to early childhood development. They emphasize the importance of play and stress that academic instruction should not come at the expense of play-based learning. Play is essential for the development of social skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation.

So, basically, children should not be sitting down with a worksheet (black line master) to learn. This is not developmentally appropriate practice and raises the question: is this something parents want or educators need? Worksheets often focus on rote learning and do not engage children in meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster deeper understanding and critical thinking skills.

Holistic Approach to Child Development

Adopting a holistic approach to child development means focusing on the whole child, not just their academic achievements. This involves recognizing and nurturing their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. By doing so, we create an environment where children can thrive and develop the skills they need for lifelong success.

Let's all remember that learning is life and learning is not just inside a classroom. There are many and varied learning experiences that are far more meaningful for a child, especially if they are interested and engaged. Whether it's exploring nature, playing with peers, or engaging in creative activities, these experiences are invaluable for a child's development.

In conclusion, earlier is not better when it comes to child development. Each child is unique, and their developmental milestones should be celebrated as part of their individual journey. By understanding and respecting the natural pace of development, we can support children in becoming well-rounded, confident, and capable individuals. Let's shift our focus from the race to achieve early milestones to fostering an environment that promotes authentic learning and holistic growth.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.