More in Nature’s Playground

Immy collecting shells.

This morning dawned sunny (but cool). As we started our morning routine of breakfasting and getting dressed, I was thinking about what we should go out and do. I wanted to take Immy out but not to our local playground of rubber and metal as my head is full of this idea of the natural environment as the best playground for children. Immy had had so much fun yesterday with our spontaneous play in the rain.

Where to go? I wanted to move away from the two nearby lakes which we visit regularly. After ruling out various possibilities I finally decided that we would head down to the beach. Too cool to swim but we could hang out on the sand and make like beachcombers.

So I packed up our usual bag of ‘stuff,’ making sure that I had a change of clothes and a towel just in case Immy decided to paddle in the shallows, and our bucket and spade as last time we were at the beach Immy spent the whole time collecting shells.

And off we went to explore another element of nature’s beautiful playground.

Immy loved finding these shells with holes in them, wearing them as rings on her fingers.

Digging in the sand.

Flicking sand into the air.

As much as I wanted to say, “Stop. We don’t flick sand in the air,” I tried to go with it, understanding her need to explore her own capabilities and instead I moved myself out of range!

The perfect place for yet another picnic!

Chasing after a very patient seagull.

As she ran further and further away from me after the seagull, I began to feel a bit anxious about her being so far away. Probably completely unfounded as there was little about to harm her except the waves and they were crashing a little way off shore not on the beach. I needn’t have worried as she turned back to check where I was and then came running back to meet me.

We made a wonderful collection of shells, cuttlefish, rocks and seaweed before heading back up the sand dune, slipping and sliding all the way.

What about you? Have you accepted the challenge and spent time outside in nature’s playground with your child today?

Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.