Hi all,

During my time here I have quite a few yard duties on the wonderful oval and nature play areas. I love watching the children interacting and eavesdropping into their conversations and imaginative play adventures. Over the last few weeks, the gorgeous golden elm in this area has been slowly losing its leaves, preparing for the winter season ahead. The children have absolutely loved gathering the leaves together in large piles and jumping into them or throwing the leaves into the air like they are pieces of confetti. I suspect many of you would be like me and can remember many times in our younger and simpler years when we would do this for ages when we were sent outside to play. I loved it!

In the nature playground, I have listened to stories that show the wonderful imaginations children have when they have the chance to just play with friends and with minimal input from adults or devices. Some have gone to outer space; some have played with animals or created their own kingdom with moats and castles.

Many times, we have our children come to us and say they are bored but current research is telling us that boredom is a positive thing for our children and developing their skills in play, socialisation and creativity. Raising Children (from the Australian Parenting website) explains that boredom allows children to let their thoughts and imaginations roam, explore ideas and think creatively and choose activities that match their mood. I know for my own two children the hours they would spend making cubby houses inside on those cold and rainy winter days. We used sheets, cushions, quilts and whatever was at hand to create a space that they would use to entertain themselves and if we were lucky, Mum and Dad would be invited in.

If you are looking for inspiration there are many websites to help you including Nature Play SA, local council listings of playgrounds but just taking a walk in your local area or a bush walk is a great start. Get bored together!

Take care,

Emily