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Canada, N. F. B. of. (n.d.). National Film Board of Canada. National Film Board of Canada. https://www.nfb.ca/

MiriamRoseFoundation. (2017). DADIRRI (Official Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Video) :: 3 minute promo. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tow2tR_ezL8

Robson, D. (2021, August 15). Interoception: the hidden sense that shapes wellbeing. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/15/the-hidden-sense-shaping-your-wellbeing-interoception

The Importance of Pretend Play in Natural Settings. (n.d.). Www.communityplaythings.com. https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-importance-of-pretend-play-in-natural-settings

Wilson, R. (2007). Nature and Young Children. Routledge.

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During my experience, I took a moment to sit on a bench, close my eyes, and immerse myself in the surrounding environment. As I listened deeply, I became aware of the varied soundscape around me. This experience prompted me to recall the concept of Dadiri, a profound practice from Aboriginal culture that emphasizes the power of listening. In this tradition, there is no need for words; the act of listening itself becomes an essential form of connection and understanding.

In this context, I found myself reflecting on the cultural significance of stillness and waiting. The Aboriginal approach encourages us to allow things to unfold in their own time and pace. (MiriamRoseFoundation, 2017)

Language of Sound/Music:

The sound of birds singing, cars passing by, trains, children, wind, crunching leaves while walking and gliding water, along with noise from the wind, created a dynamic and layered auditory landscape. The wind and water sounds were particularly calming and relaxed, offering a balance to the more pronounced noise of the city with nature. This harmony between the bustling urban elements and the soothing natural sounds made me reflect on how children might experience and enjoy the outdoor environment. R. Murray Schafer’s idea deeply resonates with this experience. He suggest that sounds of our environments hold profound meaning and significance, when we listen to it carefully. It becomes more interesting. (Canada, n.d.)

In particular, I considered how such experiences can enhance children's interoceptive sense. Being outdoors provides children with opportunities to engage in mindful observation, heightening their awareness of bodily sensations and emotional states. Through mindful play and interactions with nature, children can improve their ability to recognize and respond to internal bodily signals. This process, as Robson (2021) highlights, fosters the development of interoceptive sense through practices like mindful breathing activities. By spending time in environments like this, children not only enjoy the sensory richness of the natural world but learn important skills that support emotional and physical well-being.

Language of Movement:

I observe the movement in my experience such as- gliding water, birds swimming and playing in the water, children’s laughter, trains and cars, trees swaying as the strong wind. Through this movement, made me think deeply and realize that environment serves as the third teacher as it gives ability to explore through our senses. I learnt that children best learn through involving their whole body. Movement is like a art. It express ideas and feelings. For example, the swaying of trees in the wind or the playful movements of children and birds in water —they carry meaning. Movement invites exploration and discovery, and through it, children can express joy, curiosity, or even frustration, without needing to say a word.(Movement, Sound, Play | Artifact Dance Project | TEDxTucson, n.d.)

Language of Drama:

During my experience, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the natural environment, where I discovered sticks, leaves, and other natural elements. These findings evoked my memories of my childhood, where I would engage in pretend play using sticks as tools to measure the depth of water in a creek. This form of outdoor play fostered a sense of creativity and exploration. The drama of story telling and make believe play observed during my game/experience. I got to know how natural environment offers endless opportunities for dramatic play. Outdoor play offers numerous developmental benefits, including physical, social, and emotional growth. According to research, when children spend time in open and natural environments, their pretend play becomes more complex and sustained. Children’s conversations become richer, and the groups involved in play tend to be larger. The scenarios they create are more sophisticated and can last for multiple days. During these interactions, children collaborate, negotiate, make stories and characters, enhancing their ability to engage in cooperative social play and developing key skills such as problem-solving and empathy. (The Importance of Pretend Play in Natural Settings, n.d.)

Memories from my childhood: While experiencing my own country walk, I was reminded of my own childhood experiences. As a child, I used to play outdoors with my friends, running, climbing, hiding, and jumping. Watching the birds play in the water further awakened my childhood memories that I use to play tag games with my friends where we use to mimic the natural environment such as flaps our arms like birds, swaying as trees moves. Creative play in nature helps children develop a strong understanding of the natural world. learning about the natural world comes from the child's active engagement with and exploration of nature. It's through their direct interactions with the environment. (Wilson, 2007)

Feelings: Calm and relaxed, Mindfulness and presence, emotional wellbeing, Sense of time

Reflection: Reflecting upon my experiences, I have come to recognize the profound importance of seeing children as capable and competent learners. I believe in empowering children through their creativity and imagination, providing them with opportunities to explore, engage, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

In today's world, children often spend too much time in commercialized and computerized environments, which not only deprives them of valuable playtime but also distances them from nature. This is a significant issue, as children need nature—not just as something to study or observe, but as an environment to actively engage with. (Wilson, 2007, p. 8). Nature provides children with a space for open-ended exploration, where they can learn through their senses, imagination, and interactions with the environment.  Experience like this will foster their physical health, ability to concentrate, and strengthen their emotional connection to the world around them. Through nature, children not only develop their cognitive and social skills but also build a sense of wonder, responsibility, and respect for the natural world. I will shift towards a deeper appreciation for the role of nature in fostering holistic development in children in my future ECE practice by organising bush kinder, excursion.

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Inspiration of my play: The inspiration for "Birdie Tag" emerged from the above video during my country walk, during which I observed the fluid, dynamic movements of birds in their natural environment. As I watched them flit and soar, I was reminded of the freedom and joy that movement in nature can evoke. This observation led me to reflect on how children can connect with the natural world through play, and how movement can be both a form of expression and a vehicle for learning.