Greetings

Hello everyone, welcome to our June newsletter! As always, we provide an overview of what is happening within our childcare community. This month, we will focus on sustainability and outdoor learning.

Outdoor play is vital for children’s physical wellbeing. Activities such as running, climbing, jumping, and balancing develop gross motor skills, coordination, and strength. Exposure to fresh air and sunlight also provides essential Vitamin D, supporting healthy bone growth. 

It is recommended young children aged 1 to 5 engage in at least three hours of physical activity daily, including energetic play for at least one hour. Outdoor environments naturally encourage this level of physical activity, helping to combat childhood obesity and related health issues. 

Cognitive and education growth

Nature-based learning stimulates curiosity, creativity, and problem solving. Children engage with real-world concepts in science, math, and language as they explore plants, insects, and natural phenomena. This hands-on approach enhances focus and academic outcomes, making learning exciting and relevant.

Social and emotional well-being

Playing outdoors fosters social skills like communication, teamwork, and empathy. Children learn to negotiate, share, and resolve conflicts while building confidence and independence. Moreover, connecting with nature has calming effects, reducing stress and improving mood.

Environmental awareness and responsibility

Early exposure to nature nurtures a lifelong respect for the environment. Through activities like gardening, composting, and observing ecosystems, children develop eco-conscious habits and understand their role as future caretakers of the planet. 

Sustainable Practices in Childcare Centres

Childcare centres can also adopt innovative eco-friendly strategies to create greener, healthier environments for children in their care:

Green building design: Incorporating solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable materials reduces environmental impact and operational costs. 

Nature-inspired outdoor spaces: Rooftop gardens, vertical greenery, and natural play areas bring elements of nature into urban settings, offering children opportunities to interact with plants, soil, and wildlife.

Waste reduction initiatives: Composting food scraps, recycling programs, and minimising single-use plastics teach children about resource conservation and waste management.

Gardening and food education: Growing vegetables and herbs connects children to food sources and promotes healthy eating habits. Some centres even integrate gardening and cooking classes with a plant-based menu, reinforcing sustainability through daily experiences. 

Water and energy conservation: Using water-saving devices and educating children about turning off taps and lights fosters mindful resource use. 

Practical Ways to Embrace Sustainability and Outdoor Learning

Childcare centres and families fall into a routine that is sometimes hard to break. To help become more sustainable and embrace more outdoor learning opportunities, here are some simple yet effective practices to promote sustainability and outdoor engagement:

Nature Play Activities

Organise scavenger hunts, bug safaris, and sensory exploration to encourage curiosity and respect for nature.

Gardening Projects

Plant seeds, tend to gardens, and harvest produce to teach responsibility and the food cycle.

Outdoor Learning Sessions

Conduct lessons outside to integrate subjects like math and science with real-world experiences.

Eco-friendly Materials

Use sustainable toys, recycled art supplies, and natural fabrics to reduce environmental footprint. 

Community Involvement

Engage families in sustainability initiatives and outdoor events to build a culture of environmental stewardship. 

The Takeaway

The momentum behind sustainability and outdoor learning is set to grow as more childcare centres recognise their value. Urban centres are creatively overcoming space constraints with rooftop gardens and vertical greenery, making nature accessible even in dense cities.

Government support and parental demand for eco-friendly childcare are driving investment in green infrastructure and nature-based curricula. This shift not only benefits children’s health and development but also contributes to building greener, more resilient communities.

0-12 month development

It’s science: This 5-minute routine can help your baby fall asleep faster

Author: Kristen Fischer

A study suggests a "walk-then-sit" method to help babies sleep: walk with a crying baby for five minutes, then sit holding them for eight minutes before putting them down. This approach, backed by heart rate monitoring, aims to calm babies effectively, though experts note it may not suit all infants.

Find out more about this 5-minute routine to help your baby fall asleep faster here.

1-2 year development

Parental intuition better at spotting child illness than vital signs, study finds

Author: Matthew Weaver

A new study indicates that parental intuition is a strong predictor of serious illness in children, sometimes more so than vital signs. Researchers found that when parents expressed worry about their child's deterioration, the child was significantly more likely to require intensive care. This supports initiatives like Martha's Rule.

Find out more why a parent’s instinct is strong when it comes to their child’s health status here.

3-4 year development

Why it’s important to read aloud to your kids – even after they can read themselves

Author: Robyn Cox

Reading aloud to children, even after they can read independently, offers significant benefits. It strengthens bonds, improves listening skills, expands vocabulary, and fosters a deeper understanding and love for reading. Continuing this practice supports their cognitive and emotional development, going beyond basic literacy skills.

Read on and find more reasons why you should continue reading out loud to your children here.

4-5 year development

Google is rolling out its Gemini AI chatbot to kids under 13. It’s a risky move

Author: Lisa M. Given

Google is making its Gemini AI chatbot available to children under 13 via parent-managed Family Link accounts. This move aims to help kids with questions and homework. While Google states data from young users won't train its AI and guardrails are in place, concerns exist about potential inappropriate content exposure.

Find out more about how to protect kids from harm when using Gemini chatbots here.

Weather Graph for Kids

Help children exercise their observational skills with weather graphs. In this STEM activity, children get to observe, record, and present their findings after a week or even a couple of weeks. This activity also helps their vocabulary, counting, comparisons, basic graphing skills, and more!

Find out more about weather graphing for kids here.

Jelly Bean Taste Test Science Experiment

Ready to trick your taste buds? This awesome jelly bean experiment uncovers a super cool secret: your eyes might be tasting more than your tongue! Grab some colorful beans, maybe a blindfold, and prepare for a surprisingly scientific and super sweet journey into how sight and taste play together!

Find the steps for this taste test experiment here.

How To Do Shadow Tracing

Ready to become a sun-powered artist? Grab your favorite toys and head outside for a super shadowy adventure! We're going to discover how shadows are made and watch them magically change shape and size throughout the day. Let's get tracing and play with the sun's awesome art!

Find the steps to shadow trace here.

DIY Nature Suncatcher

Want to trap a rainbow? Go on a treasure hunt for nature's prettiest bits – leaves, flowers, maybe a cool feather! Then, like magic, turn your haul into a dazzling suncatcher that makes sunshine sparkle. Let's get crafty and bring the outdoors in with this super fun project!

Find the steps on how to create a DIY nature suncatcher here.