EXCURSION TO THE PARK

1. EXCURSION TO THE PARK Just the process of getting to the reserve is providing the children with new skills – they have to hold a friends hand, we move together as a group and we stay on the path. Before we attend the Reserve Children take the responsibility: collecting the balls or other equipment. Collecting their water bottles Taking themselves to the toilet Taking their jacket Finding their partner One child will carry the emergency bag/first kit Two children will carrying the balls There are always three people who attend the excursion / risk assessment has been completed before the initial excursion was planned. Together the children and educators have discussed the boundaries at our Meetings. We walk to park hold our partners hand Play on the grass not the path Play up until the where the big pine trees When we play our games no rough play If you kick the ball you cannot chase after it No tackling around peoples necks what the do children while we are at the reserve? They are practicing new skills – for some that is learning to kick a ball, for others it is doing cartwheels and forward rolls. Some enjoy the freedom of being able to run, without having to dodge equipment and fences in the confines of the kindergarten, while others hang upside down from the metal gate or practice balancing on the wooden bollards. W e have more room to safely play tag and scarecrow tiggy. When we asked the children what they liked about going to the reserve, they answered: James: Because there’s lot’s of space Lachie: Because we have a bigger area Harry ’Cause its so much fun. We get to play Hide and Seek Corbin Because we can kick the football We have made new discoveries while at the reserve – we have had a discussion about the mushrooms/toadstools growing in the reserve, we have tried (unsuccessfully!?!) to make fire by rubbing two sticks together and we have found new places to hide The latest research from Deakin University shows that there is a growing link between physical activity, nature and health and the shift to indoor play is raising health concerns that include obesity and poorer cognitive development. According to research, author Dr Mardi Townsend, an associate professor from Deakin's School of Health and Social Development, there is also a lack of recognition and understanding of the environment. “Outdoor unstructured, free play allows children to use their imaginations whilst building dexterity and physical strength. The playground is the best place for children to take advantage of open spaces and fine tune their motor skills by being physical and adventurous.  They can freely practise running, climbing, swinging, jumping and learn ball handling skills such as throwing and catching.” New South Wales Government Website