# data[].attributes.body
“Today, as I stepped into my backyard, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. The vibrant mix of yellow and green leaves on the tree caught my eyes, and the sound of raindrops gently hitting the roof created a soothing rhythm. I can feel the cool, damp air and the rough texture of the dry leaves underfoot. The smell of fresh rain reminded me of my childhood, playing outside in the rain with friends, making up games. This space felt alive, like a canvas for imagination. I realised how important it is for children to have access to such environments where they can explore, create, and connect with nature. It sparked ideas about incorporating more outdoor play in early childhood education, allowing children to experience the wonders of the natural world firsthand.”

# data[].attributes.body
I chose my backyard because there is no place like home, where I feel close and familiar. Birds are always singing when I enter the backyard, and I love that I can hear their songs even when I'm at home. I don't have to travel to the mountains or the countryside to enjoy the sound of birds; it's right here at home. Listen closely as the raindrops dance on the leaves and the birds sing their tales.

The trees in my backyard stand tall, their leaves a mix of yellow and green, a testament to the changing seasons. As the rain falls gently, I imagine baby birds, lost and far from home. They flew out from their safe nest in the big tree, all the way to the town, and now they are lost. The town is busy and bustling, the rain is cold and unrelenting.

In my backyard,

The baby birds find comfort and joy,

Playing on the slide and swing,

Losing track of time as they delight in their newfound playground.

They chirp happily as they slide down and swing high,

forgetting the way back home in their playfulness.

The baby birds seek refuge on my rooftop,

singing their song of longing,

hoping their mother will hear them and guide them back.

Each raindrop carries a message,

each bird song a plea.

Can you hear their story?

Can you feel their hope?

# data[].attributes.body
My sensations : During my time in the backyard, I engage with all my senses. I smelled the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil and leaves,  I feel the cool raindrops on my skin, and heard the melodic chorus of birds. The vibrant green and yellow hues of the leaves caught my eye, while the sight of dry leaves scattered on the ground added a tactile element to the scene. The rhythmic sounds of raindrops hitting various surfaces created a soothing backdrop, harmonising with the chirping birds and rustling leaves.

# data[].attributes.body
My feelings: The overall experience evoked a sense of calm and nostalgia. The way I imagine the birds playing on the slide and swing, forgetting their way home, brings back nostalgic memories of my own childhood. I miss those days when the slide seemed so big and long, and the swing soared so high. I felt like a small bird compared to them, sliding down quickly and joyfully, and swinging so high that it felt like I could fly like a bird. The natural sounds and sights of the backyard transported me back to my childhood, reminding me of the simple joys and adventures found in nature. The story of the lost birds added a layer of empathy and connection, evoking feelings of protection and care for these imagined creatures. This emotional journey was both comforting and inspiring, highlighting the importance of nature in fostering emotional well-being.

# data[].attributes.body
My thoughts: It make me reflect on the significance of natural environments in childhood development. It reminded me of the countless hours spent outdoors as a child, exploring, imagining, and learning through play. This let me to consider how children today can benefit from similar experiences, using natural settings to develop their creativity, emotional intelligence, and cognitive skills. The narrative of the lost birds became a metaphor for children's exploratory play and their journey towards discovery and self-awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
Explaining the Artefact: My artefact is my backyard, a space rich with sensory stimuli and I think it is an opportunity for imaginative play. My backyard features a tree with mixed yellow and green leaves, scattered dry leaves, raindrops, bird sounds, vegetables, and play structures like a slide and swing and these elements are like the foundation for the "Lost Birds' Symphony" narrative. Wilson (2007) emphasises the importance of natural environments in improving the creative play and cognitive development for young children. It also similar to my experience of using the backyard as a source of inspiration and imaginative storytelling. Carson (2017) discuss about the sense of wonder that nature evokes in children, encouraging the exploration and discovery. So I believe that the sense of wonder is captured in my narrative of the lost birds, it highlights how the natural play spaces can stimulate children's curiosity and creativity.

# data[].attributes.body
Developing ECE Practices
My future practice is informed by this experience, since it highlight the importance of including sensory-rich activities and natural play areas into the early childhood education. It is benefit for the children's cognitive and emotional development. Encourage them to interact with natural world through the sound, movement, and imagination. Children benefit from experience learning, outdoor play, and developing an appreciation for nature.

# data[].attributes.body
Wilson, R. (2007). Children, creative play, and the natural environment. In R. Wilson (Ed.), Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments (pp. 1-18).

Carson, R. (2017). The Sense of Wonder: A Celebration of Nature for Parents and Children. Harper Perennial.