By Alison Atfield, Child Care Director – My Little Feet Pimlico

There is something magical in spending time in the garden as the sun shines down on us. We peacefully watch the butterflies floating from flower to flower, we count the ants as they travel up the wall, we watch the lizards speed to safety through the grass and we see the bees busy collecting pollen from our beautiful smelling basil plants.

There is also the times when we dig in the dirt looking for treasure, tip water from container to container and then pour onto plants and gardens and use our wheelbarrows to transport equipment from one part of the garden to the other.

Our educators are lovers themselves of nature and are so supportive of this type of play at My Little Feet. We see the value in the outdoor environment as a learning tool as it offers hands on learning experiences that assist the children in forming lasting connections to the natural world.

We want our children to feel safe and confident and the outdoor environment is especially good at helping to develop these feelings. There is no right or wrong way to play outside. Children can direct their own play – work on projects individually or as a group, develop games with their peers, find quiet spaces to think and reflect and just have fun! Where did you love playing when you were growing up? I bet the answer is outside!

Lately the pre-schoolers have taken an interest in the growth of plants and realising they are living things to be cared for. Last week we planted different seeds in our gardens and this week each child will plant their own grass head to care for.

We would love families to spend time with their children at home in their gardens and back yards. You will be surprised what you will see and knowledge you can share if you take a moment to stop and smell the roses.

To find out more about My Little Feet Child Care’s Second Step program, or for more information on our child care offering in general contact the centre via email or phone. Our contact details are available here.

Our Aitkenvale & Pimlico child care centres offer child care from 6 weeks to pre-school age including morning & afternoon tea. Contact us today for a tour of one of our centres and experience award winning child care in Townsville.