How time outdoors supports children’s growth in body, mind and confidence
Nature isn’t just a backdrop for play; it’s an active part of how children learn and grow. At Mount Peter Early Learning, our Forest School program is built on the belief that time spent in natural environments offers unique benefits that complement traditional classroom learning. Here’s what the research tells us.
Physical Benefits of Nature Play
Nature-based play helps children move in ways that aren’t always possible in indoor environments. Climbing, balancing, jumping and crawling over uneven surfaces develop core strength, coordination, and gross motor skills.
In a 2020 study by the University of South Australia, children who regularly engaged in nature-based play showed stronger physical development than peers in conventional early learning settings. This included improved balance, coordination and higher levels of physical activity.
In our Forest School sessions, children move freely through bushland settings, building their confidence and physical capability with every step.
Social and Emotional Growth in Natural Spaces
Nature play encourages social connection, cooperation and problem-solving. When children work together to build cubbies, climb trees or navigate trails, they practice turn-taking, negotiation and shared leadership. It also helps reduce stress and supports emotional regulation.
The Australian Institute of Family Studies notes that nature play supports “social development by encouraging cooperation and negotiation” and helps children build “resilience and emotional wellbeing.” These soft skills form the foundation of successful relationships later in life.
At Mount Peter ELC, we often see children who are shy in group settings become more confident in nature-based activities. The unstructured environment invites them to take small, manageable risks that help build self-belief.
Cognitive Benefits and School Readiness
Nature stimulates curiosity. Open-ended materials like sticks, rocks, mud, and leaves invite children to ask questions, make predictions, and test their ideas. These are the building blocks of early science, maths and language skills.
Educators working in our Forest School program support this natural inquiry by encouraging children to observe, describe and reflect. For example, children might investigate what lives under a log, count how many leaves fit into a basket, or draw the patterns they see on a butterfly’s wings.
A study published in the Early Childhood Education Journal found that nature-based early learning environments promote higher engagement and more complex play, which directly supports cognitive development and attention span.
Nature and the ELYF
Our approach is also backed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which recognises the importance of outdoor play. Outcome 2 of the EYLF (Children are connected with and contribute to their world) includes children becoming socially responsible and showing respect for the environment. Outcome 3 (Children have a strong sense of wellbeing) emphasises children’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing, including developing skills to take care of their health, safety and independence.
Forest School aligns with these principles by providing regular access to outdoor environments where children are encouraged to explore, be active and care for nature.
Local Connections and Community Benefits
Nature-based learning also builds children’s connection to the local environment. Through regular excursions into bushland, children at Mount Peter ELC develop a sense of place and responsibility. They learn about native plants, wildlife, seasonal changes and how to care for natural spaces.
This connection to Country is a vital part of our curriculum and supports respectful awareness of the land’s significance to the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people as the Traditional Custodians. Our educators often incorporate language, stories and perspectives into Forest School sessions that build this cultural understanding.
Parent Perspectives and Feedback
Families often tell us how Forest School has helped their child’s confidence blossom. One parent shared:
“My daughter used to be very hesitant outside. Now she talks about her Forest School days all week and teaches us what she’s learned about trees, insects and the seasons.”
Parents also value the break from screens, structure and overstimulation. Outdoor learning gives children space to be calm, creative and active in a way that feels natural and joyful.
A Balanced Approach
We believe that outdoor and indoor learning work best together. Nature play doesn’t replace traditional learning; it enhances it. By providing both, we support children to develop holistically.
At Mount Peter ELC, Forest School is more than a weekly activity. It’s a key part of how we deliver high-quality early education that meets children where they are: physically, emotionally and developmentally.
Explore Forest School at Mount Peter ELC
Looking for a centre that values outdoor learning? Visit our Forest School page to learn how your child can benefit from nature-based education.
Useful Reading and References
Australian Institute of Family Studies- Nature and child wellbeing
Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0)