Bush Kinder Program
At Tommaso Fiaschi Early Education, our Bush Kinder Program takes learning beyond the classroom walls and into the beauty of local bushland.
Designed for children aged 3–5, this monthly program blends curiosity, movement, and imagination in a natural setting — where trees become classrooms, and every stick or leaf sparks a story.
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Rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy and aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework (VEYLF), Bush Kinder helps children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of the environment.
What Happens at Bush Kinder?
Each month, our Kinder Room ventures to a nearby park or bushland reserve for a structured but playful outdoor session, guided by our experienced educators.
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Children are encouraged to:
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Observe native plants, insects, and wildlife
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Collect and classify natural objects (leaves, stones, twigs)
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Create eco-art from found materials
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Climb, balance, and move freely in uneven natural terrain
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Ask questions and follow their curiosities (e.g. “Why do some leaves change colour?”)
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Reflect, share, and connect with peers under the open sky
Why It Matters
Bush Kinder isn’t just outdoor play — it’s a powerful developmental experience that supports:
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Physical development – Navigating natural terrain builds strength, balance, and motor skills
Emotional wellbeing – Time in nature reduces stress, encourages calm, and nurtures resilience
Creativity – Open-ended materials and unstructured settings spark imagination
Social skills – Collaboration, communication, and group reflection build friendships and empathy
Environmental awareness – Children form a personal connection with the land, learning to care for the world around them
Safety First
Your child’s safety is our top priority. Each Bush Kinder excursion is:
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Fully risk-assessed
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Staffed at appropriate educator-to-child ratios
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Supported with first aid kits and emergency protocols
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Monitored with sun safety, hydration, and weather checks
A Typical Bush Kinder Session
9:30 AM – Meet at the centre, gear check, safety briefing
9:45 AM – Walk to local bushland or park
10:00 AM – Welcome circle and discussion of the day’s theme
10:15 AM – Guided exploration or activity (scavenger hunt, insect observation, eco-art)
10:45 AM – Free play and inquiry-led exploration
11:15 AM – Morning tea and reflection/storytime
11:45 AM – Group circle to share discoveries
12:00 PM – Return to the centre
What to Bring
To keep everyone safe and comfortable, we ask families to prepare:
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Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (hat, jacket, sunscreen)
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A small water bottle and snack
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Comfortable walking shoes
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A named backpack
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A change of clothes (just in case of muddy fun!)
Family Involvement
We love to involve families in our Bush Kinder experience. Parents are welcome to join for:
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Picnic mornings
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Nature hunts
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Reflection circles
These shared moments help strengthen community and create memories that children treasure.
Outdoor Learning, Reimagined
Bush Kinder brings our curriculum to life through:
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Nature-based investigations (e.g. bug hunts, leaf studies, tree bark textures)
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Creative expression using sticks, rocks, and leaves to build, paint, and sculpt
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Physical play that improves strength, balance, coordination, and risk awareness
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Mindful moments where children pause to listen to the wind, the birds, or the rustle of leaves
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Storytelling and reflection circles in shaded forest clearings
