Sessions
Play School – Where Nature and Learning Come to Life
At Play School Program, we aim to truly connect with nature and the Earth, children need to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
Our philosophy is simple yet profound: Nature is the ultimate classroom, and the journey begins with us, at Piccabeen Park in the heart of Bangalow.
Picture this: A circle of curious minds, gathered under the open sky, surrounded by the lush beauty of Mother Earth. Here, we embark on a journey of discovery, using the magic of songs, captivating stories, and hands-on crafts. But our true masterpiece? The art of cooking, because in nurturing our community, we find solutions to every challenge.
Mission Statement: “To lead the learning revolution back to nature, empowering families through holistic education. We offer pioneering, nature-centric programs that cultivate resilience, curiosity, and environmental consciousness.
But most importantly, Wise Play is a realm of boundless joy, wonder, and fun – the essential ingredients for mastering the art of learning how to learn.
Open to children aged 0-6 years and their family members, Wise Play is a chance to explore natural wonders and forge connections with like-minded families who share a passion for the great outdoors.
It’s a gateway to Wise Earth Bush School’s grand vision: “Leading the learning revolution back to nature.” Here, we embrace creativity, honour child-led exploration, and celebrate the unstructured beauty of nature play.
Join us in this enchanting journey where children and families alike rediscover the wonders of nature and embark on an adventure of lifelong learning.
Bush School – Learn, Explore, Think and Thrive!
Experience the Wild, Rain or Shine, with our Bush School Program!
Nature Exploration and Discovery: Embark on guided nature walks and scavenger hunts to discover local flora and fauna, fostering curiosity and emotional expression as children connect deeply with nature.
Outdoor Play and Physical Activities: Engage in age-appropriate obstacle courses and games that promote physical development, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: Participate in hands-on gardening, wild-food ID and harvesting, recycling projects, and resource-rich explorations, nurturing independence and environmental care values.
Educational Games and Storytelling: Immerse in interactive storytelling sessions and educational games that ignite curiosity and build emotional literacy skills.
Safety and Supervision: Our experienced team ensures high supervision standards and conducts thorough risk assessments to guarantee safety in untamed natural environments.
Parental Engagement and Communication: While we value the presence of parents at Wise Earth Bush School, we recognise that their continual presence can sometimes inhibit mentors from building strong connections with the children and limit opportunities for independent exploration. We ensure clear communication with registered families and warmly encourage parental involvement, fostering a supportive community and positive family interactions.
Inclusive and Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Tailor activities to suit diverse developmental stages and abilities, ensuring every child thrives in our inclusive outdoor learning environment.
Nature Exploration
Sensory Walk
Play Stations & Tool Use
Adaptive Obstacle Courses
Natural Art Sessions & Handicraft
Adventure Play
Water Play Seasonal
Weather Patterns and Identification
Storytelling Circles
Team Building Games
Gardening, Planting and Bush Medicine
Music and Movement Sessions
Role-Playing and Dramatic Play
Environmental Awareness Projects
Join Our Community: Register today and embark on a transformative journey of curiosity, self-discovery, and emotional intelligence development with Wise Earth Bush School!
Skill School – The Miniversity for Kids
Outcome-Focused Learning Framework for
Program Outline: Wise Earth Bush School (WEBS)
Mission Statement: To foster holistic development and deep connection to nature through experiential learning, empowering children to become resilient, compassionate stewards of their environment.
Program Structure:
Introduction and Orientation
Welcome session for new families and children.
Overview of WEBS philosophy and values
Introduction to the badge framework and skill development areas.
Weekly Sessions:
Navigation
Activities: Guided nature walks, sensory games, exploration of local flora and fauna.
Badge Focus: Nature Explorer, Sensory Explorer.
Tool Use
Activities: Play-based learning with tools (e.g., woodworking, basic gardening).
Badge Focus: Craftsman.
Adventure Play
Activities: Outdoor obstacle courses, team-building games, and adventure play.
Badge Focus: Adventure Seeker, Team Builder.
Natural Art & Craft
Activities: Creating art from natural materials, and handicrafts inspired by nature.
Badge Focus: Natural Artist.
Seasonal Activities:
Seasonal Water Play
Activities: Water games, seasonal water exploration.
Badge Focus: Aqua Explorer.
Weather Patterns and Identification
Activities: Learning about local weather patterns, and weather observation.
Badge Focus: Weather Watcher.
Special Sessions:
Communication
Activities: Storytelling sessions, oral traditions, group discussions.
Badge Focus: Storyteller.
Music and Movement
Activities: Music exploration, rhythmic exercises, and group movement activities.
Badge Focus: Music Maker.
Leadership Skills & Dramatic Play
Activities: Role-playing scenarios, and dramatic play activities.
Badge Focus: Actor.
Environmental Awareness Projects:
Gardening, Planting, and Bush Medicine
Activities: Gardening activities, planting native species, learning about bush medicine.
Badge Focus: Green Thumb.
Environmental Awareness Projects
Activities: Hands-on environmental projects (e.g., recycling initiatives, habitat restoration).
Badge Focus: Earth Warrior
Mentorship and Community Engagement:
Mentorship opportunities with older students or community members.
Family involvement through workshops, events, and volunteering opportunities.
Progress Tracking and Badge System:
Daily Journaling to Document Reflections
Each Family tracks their progress through badge levels in various skill areas.
Badge ceremonies and celebrations to acknowledge achievements and milestones.
End-of-Term Celebrations:
Showcases of children’s work and achievements.
Community gatherings to celebrate learning and growth.
Why Choose WEBS:
Holistic Development: Emphasis on physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.
Experiential Learning: Hands-on activities in natural settings to deepen understanding and connection.
Community and Mentorship: Building long-term relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.
Flexible and Innovative: Non-traditional approach that complements traditional schooling.
Next Steps:
Enrolment and registration process.
Parent and family involvement opportunities, engagement and volunteering.
Information on upcoming sessions, workshops, and events through Parent Empowerment
Practicing Nature Based Living
Holiday School Adventures: Exploring the World, One Skill at a Time !
Program Schedule: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ages 4 and Up – Outdoor Learning at Its Best!
Welcome to Holiday School, where young adventurers aged 4 and beyond embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of nature.
Empowering Through Skills:
Our program is all about equipping children with the knowledge and abilities to thrive in the great outdoors. From mastering primitive skills to embracing bushcraft, honing natural movement, and cultivating deep nature awareness, our young explorers will not only feel safe in nature but truly at home.
Weekly Adventures:
Each week brings fresh opportunities for discovery and growth. Your child will dive into a world of exciting skills, including:
- Fire Mastery: Learn the ancient art of fire starting and bush cooking, fostering independence and self-reliance.
- Bush Wisdom: Delve into the realm of bush foods, plant identification, and their myriad uses in our daily lives.
- Pure Water: Uncover the secrets of water purification, ensuring a sustainable and safe relationship with this precious resource.
- Shelter Craft: Become a shelter-building pro, gaining essential survival skills and nurturing creativity.
- Animal Connections: Develop a profound sense of respect and connection with the animal kingdom, enriching your child’s empathy and understanding.
- Basket Weaving: Craft beautiful creations from nature’s bounty, merging art and sustainability.
Plus, ample unstructured playtime offers your child the freedom to roam, interact with peers of all ages, and create cherished memories.
Holiday School isn’t just an adventure; it’s a pathway to self-discovery, community-resilience, and a lifelong love for the natural world.
1-on-1 Family Mentoring Sessions
Unlock Your Family’s Full Potential with 1-on-1 Family Mentoring Sessions ?
Experience the transformative power of personalised guidance with Rafaela, an educator with a remarkable journey from midwifery and doula work to teaching. With a rich background including a Diploma in Education, and in Non-Verbal Communication, and over 25 years of teaching experience, Rafaela offers a unique blend of expertise.
Your Path to Family Success:
Our 1-on-1 Family Mentoring Sessions are designed to be your handbook for achieving greater success in your family’s daily life. During these sessions, you and your child can:
Learn More Effectively:
Discover strategies for effective learning, where our sessions come alive in your home, tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Build Better Relationships:
Gain insights and tools to foster deeper, more harmonious connections, both within your family and beyond.
Navigate Transitions:
Understand and navigate life transitions with confidence and grace through receiving an insight into your Birth Story.
Overcome Limiting Beliefs:
Break free from limiting thoughts and conditions that may be holding you or your child back from reaching your full potential.
Discover the Truth:
Develop a clearer perspective and see the truth in your family dynamics, patterns and relationships.
Embark on a transformative journey with our 1-on-1 Family Mentoring Sessions and watch as your family reaches new heights of understanding, connection, and success.
Educational Coaching Sessions
Deep Dive – Family Coaching, Home Support & Birth Story Map Coaching Sessions
Join us for an extended and transformative 90-minute session with Wise Earth Bush School. In this immersive call, led by Rafaela or Araba, we’ll explore a wide range of family coaching and home support topics, with a special focus on integrating your unique Birth Story Map Coaching:
- Family Dynamics and Communication: Delve into the intricacies of family dynamics, enhancing communication, and building stronger connections among family members.
- Home Learning Strategies: Explore in-depth techniques for incorporating adventure and practical skills into your daily routine, fostering a love for learning in your children.
- Parenting and Resilience: Discover advanced parenting strategies that align with our holistic educational philosophy, promoting resilience and self-awareness in your children.
- Balancing Nature and Technology: Explore nuanced approaches to maintain a healthy balance between screen time and outdoor experiences.
- Self-Care and Well-Being: Dive deep into self-care practices and well-being techniques, ensuring that you, as a parent, are nurtured and empowered to support your family.
- Birth Story Map Coaching: Integrate the powerful tool of Birth Story Map Coaching, which explores the impact of birth experiences on parenting and family dynamics. We’ll guide you through this insightful process, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your family’s journey.
- Customised Solutions: Share your specific family needs, aspirations, and challenges, and we’ll provide personalised strategies and solutions.
- Resources and Follow-Up: Receive recommendations for ongoing resources, readings, and practical tools to continue your family’s growth journey beyond the call.
With an additional 30 minutes, we can offer a more thorough exploration of the Birth Story Map Coaching technique, allowing you to uncover how your birth experiences may influence your experiences in parenting and family dynamics. This extended session is designed to provide you with profound insights, strategies, and support to create a resilient and thriving family environment.
Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
