Creators Early Learning Centres- why we’re investing in nature
At Creators, nature is a place of learning and wonder. Children should be free to explore and discover the beauty of the natural world. When a child is playing outdoors, they are doing many things: problem solving, testing boundaries and, importantly, learning to fall in love with nature. This is why we have made a commitment to providing opportunities for our tamariki to get out and experience the environment. Whether it be in our outdoor spaces or on regular adventures in the community, it’s something we are passionate about.
Creators Early Learning Centres- why we’re investing in nature
At Creators, nature is a place of learning and wonder. Children should be free to explore and discover the beauty of the natural world. When a child is playing outdoors, they are doing many things: problem solving, testing boundaries and, importantly, learning to fall in love with nature. This is why we have made a commitment to providing opportunities for our tamariki to get out and experience the environment. Whether it be in our outdoor spaces or on regular adventures in the community, it’s something we are passionate about.
Kym Gibson, GM of Creators Educational Trust explains “A focus for all of our centres last year was the environment and how we learn through regular interaction with nature. We’re continuing this line of inquiry moving forwards. The natural world provides us with endless resources and opportunities for play-based learning and there are numerous benefits to being outside for children, but also for the future of the environment.”
We find ourselves in an age where “Children are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world”, where “Without purposeful connection to nature, children are missing the opportunity to experience optimal health, well-being and development.” [Children in Nature, NZ]
We also have a responsibility to assist our tamariki in developing a connection with the world that they can carry through to adulthood- “You protect what you fall in love with.”[ Louie Schwartzberg].Early childhood is regarded as the critical period for the formation of positive environmental attitudes where social action towards change can take place. Our aim at Creators is to equip the future generations with positive interactions and a social awareness that enables them to care for our natural world.
All Weather Centres
As an organization, it is important for us to be connecting with nature through every season. David Gibson, CEO of Creators says “We are ambassadors for breaking down those barriers that keep today’s kids inside more than ever. We operate all-weather centres, meaning as long as tamariki have their weather-appropriate clothing, we’ll be outside enjoying all the environment has to offer.” We aim to use real world experiences to initiate and contribute to daily learning, because as author Richard Louv says: “Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health.”
Article as featured in the Waikato Business News