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My overall reflection for future practice in early childhood education settings

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My overall reflection for future practice in early childhood education settings

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My reflection shows how important it is to help children connect with nature through hands-on, sensory experiences, and I plan to include this in my future teaching. This fits well with play-based learning, which encourages children to be curious and mindful. While some schools focus more on structured indoor activities, my approach highlights outdoor learning, which adds to rather than goes against traditional methods.

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In creating my song, I drew inspiration from both my personal nature experiences and the concept of dadirri—deep listening and quiet awareness—as described by Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr. My artefact reflects this by using music and lyrics to evoke the peaceful, reflective connection with nature that dadirri embodies. The gentle sounds, movements, and memories in my work echo the unit's emphasis on the importance of sound, movement, and drama in early childhood development. Like dadirri, my song encourages a deep, sensory engagement with the environment, fostering mindfulness and connection in young children. This critical thinking links to readings on sensory learning and how immersive experiences in nature shape children’s understanding of their world. (Ungunmerr 1988)

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Reflecting on this experience, I realise how deeply it connects to my childhood memories. The languages of sound, movement, and drama are all present in my song. The sound comes alive through my voice and music, while movement is captured in the gentle breeze and the swaying of flowers. The drama unfolds as I tell the story of my childhood and the strong connection I had with nature. These elements work together to create an immersive experience, especially for young children, encouraging them to explore and engage with the natural world.

As I walked through this space, my senses were filled with vivid sensations. I could smell the fresh water, the scent of flowers, and the grassy earth. I saw the ducks, butterflies, and trees, all part of the beautiful landscape. The sounds of birds chirping, the wind rustling through the leaves, and the ducks splashing in the water brought a sense of calm. I felt the soft breeze against my skin and the gentle touch of the earth beneath my feet.

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Gano, D. & Sharron, K. (2020) "Natural Sensory Learning." Retrieved 06/09/2024, from https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/natural-sensory-learning#:~:text=The%20natural%20world%2C%20with%20its,is%20crucial%20to%20brain%20development.

Ruth, W. (2012). Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments. Abingdon, Oxon, Routledge.

Ungunmerr, M.-R. (1988). "Dadirri - Inner Deep Listening & Quiet Still Awareness." Retrieved 29/08/2024, from https://www.miriamrosefoundation.org.au/dadirri/.

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My artefact, a song inspired by nature, reflects children’s natural curiosity, sensory exploration, and creative engagement with the world, as discussed in the unit’s key readings. The song uses sound, movement, and drama to recreate my own childhood experiences of interacting with nature, such as playing by the pond and chasing butterflies. It connects with the idea that children learn through tactile and sensory experiences, often noticing patterns and details adults overlook. The readings emphasize children’s competence and intensity in exploring their environment, which my creative work mirrors by encouraging them to engage with natural elements. Through this, I aim to foster a love for nature and encourage children’s active participation in their surroundings. (Ruth 2012)

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This place evoked strong feelings of peace, nostalgia, and wonder, taking me back to those simple, carefree days of my childhood. I remember playing outside, dancing with my cousin in the rain, and swimming in the pond. Our house was big, with an open yard where we could run and explore. These memories shaped my love for nature, and I believe similar experiences can inspire young children to develop a lasting bond with the natural world.

Reflecting on these experiences helps me see the importance of integrating nature into early childhood education, allowing children to experience the beauty and wonder of the world around them. It’s through these natural connections that children learn to appreciate the environment and its significance.

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Look at this beautiful space around me—every morning, I walk here to refresh my mind and spirit. This place brings back so many memories from my childhood. That lake over there, along with the little flowers scattered all around, reminds me of the times when I used to play outdoors as a child. The gentle breeze, the bright colours of the flowers, and the calm waters take me back to simpler days when being close to nature was a big part of my everyday life.

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The sound of birds chirping in the trees is like a melody from my past. I remember a small bird that would visit our garden each morning, its song bringing joy to my day. I’d wait eagerly by the window, hoping to see it hopping through the garden. Just like that, nature had a way of creating these magical moments that stayed with me. Look over there at that little flower—when a butterfly lands on it, gently sipping nectar, it brings me back to my childhood when I watched butterflies do the same in my garden. These small, simple moments had a special kind of magic that filled me with wonder.

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And this lake—it truly reminds me of my childhood. The smell of fresh water, and the sight of ducks playing in the lake, all bring a sense of calm and nostalgia. Watching the ducks swim and splash feels like stepping back in time, recalling those days when I would sit by the water's edge, captivated by the peaceful rhythm of nature.

This place is more than just beautiful—it feels like a part of me. In this space, nature comes alive, speaking through music, dance, and movement. Every element—whether the sound of the birds, the swaying of the trees, or the water’s quiet ripples—tells a story. It’s not just beautiful; it’s a living, breathing performance, one that connects deeply with the soul.

For my creative response, I have written a song inspired by this place, and I will perform it using my own music and voice.

The wind would whisper through the trees,
A gentle song, a peaceful breeze.
By the mud pond, where waters shine,
I chased a butterfly, feeling fine.

The flowers danced in the sunlight bright,
Their colours shining, a lovely sight.
In nature's care, so wild and free,
My childhood grew near a pond and tree.

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My creative work, a song inspired by my nature walk, draws on childhood memories and sensory experiences, reflecting the connection between sound, movement, and nature. Through the use of sound (my voice and music), movement (the swaying of flowers), and drama (the storytelling of my childhood experiences), the artefact mirrors children's ability to engage with and interpret their environment. This connects with unit resources emphasizing how children develop spatial awareness through natural sounds, as described in readings about auditory experiences shaping their understanding of space. My song captures the calming yet stimulating aspects of nature, much like how children listen to and locate sounds in their surroundings. By connecting these elements with childhood wonder, I illustrate how nature can foster sensory and emotional development in young learners. (Gano 2020)

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Hello everyone, and wominjeka to this truly mesmerizing place. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the Kulin Nation people, the traditional custodians of this land, where they have lived for thousands of years. I honour their elders—past, present, and emerging—and recognise their enduring connection to the land, their culture, and their community.