fostering nature-based learning

Balnarring Preschool is a finalist in the 2019 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards

The preschool has long been an advocate for nature-based play and outdoor learning. Several years ago, the team recognised that the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders weren’t being taught in the preschool curriculum.

They also identified significant gaps in the knowledge of the preschool’s early learning educators, which made it difficult to authentically embed the perspectives of First Peoples into the program.

Following this realisation, the preschool committed to intentionally embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' knowledge and world views into their daily practice, including learning with Country. The preschool has also worked on a number of collaborative projects with Boon Wurrung First Peoples, including illustrating the Bundjil Creation Story as told by N’Arweet Carolyn Briggs.