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My Artefact is inspired by my day at Raeburn Reserve Park. I chose this park because it is a park I regularly take my children to, and I love the peaceful and calm energy it exudes. The cheerful singing of the birds reverberated within the atmosphere, combined with the soft swinging of the trees in the wind. The balance of the birds, wind and swishing leaves created a calm and placid atmosphere.

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This video was recorded on a windy, sunny day. I chose to add a calm melody because it blended in nicely with the natural flow and aura of the park. The sound of the birds chirping, the swaying of the leaves and wind gliding through the trees. In the middle of the park stood a tall, distinct tree- The way its leaves and branches swayed so effortlessly amongst the wind as though they were telling a story. Collectively, these rhythms and movements created a peaceful environment that inspired imagination, connectedness and relaxation. This demonstrates how we are able to engage with the countryside through observing, hearing and constructing.

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Whilst on my visit to Raeburn Reserve, I was immediately struck by how my surroundings had impacted my awareness. The soothing melodies of the birds chirping, as the wind swayed amongst the trees, leaves and branches prompted feelings of tranquility and invigoration within me. As I was observing my surroundings, from the corner of my eye I noticed a tall, large object planted firmly in the ground. When I turned around to obtain a better view, it was a beautiful large tree. It was planted right in the center of the park. It had a beautiful trunk, and the branches and leaves were unusual. I felt like this particular tree had its own story. This made me reflect- that our imagination works in mysterious ways, certain aspects of nature can grab our attention just like sound and movements can. My thoughts also gravitated towards the importance of encouraging children to see our natural environment, in the beauty that it is and, to know how to appreciate them.

I began to think about how Mother nature can stimulate thoughts of creativity in human beings. This also made me consider how the park could be communicating through its natural melodies and movements and thinking how children being present in the same park would respond, and in what ways these elements would trigger their sense of creativity and imagination.

My choice of soothing, calm music that was added to my creative response also deepened my sense of reflection. I felt that I was able to zone in to my thoughts and feelings with listening to the comforting melodies and sounds without the need for words.

It is stated in the (Early Years Learning Framework, 2022) that dialogue can emerge in many forms, this has made me realize that curiosity comes to surface when expression and emotions come into play.

According to (Wright, 2012), it has been shown that the arts provide us with pathways to better understand and share our interactions. By overlaying calm, soothing music to the natural melodies, this allowed me to convey my feelings and senses in a creative manner.

Giving children in early childhood settings opportunities to be involved and bond with country promotes curiosity and creativity (Prins et al., 2022). This allows children to put forward ideas in creative ways such as; gathering up leaves, sticks and using them to develop sounds or create art pieces. These practices have a positive impact on children's confidence building, communicating their emotions and an overall positive relationship with Country.

This connects to (EYLF Learning Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators) which emphasizes on children's right to express themselves in multiple ways.

This reflection assisted me to understand that nature is powerful and a language within itself. It taught me that sounds, movements and melodies can carry meaning and have a way to convey a message to the world without the use of a single word. It's impact on thoughts, feeling, senses, imagination is significant- indicating that language goes beyond what is articulated.

As an educator in early childhood, I recognize the importance of children participating in outdoor nature activities.

Encouraging them to go out to examine movements, vibrations, touch, feel, smell and ask children questions about their experiences. For eg; 'What sound does the wind make?' or "How did the tree trunk feel?' To spark curiosity and maintain engagement. These vital experiences spark imagination, emotional expression and strengthen their relationship with Country.

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The tree caught my eye because its trunk looks strong, and firm and its branches have grown in different directions. This reminds me of how children grow and flourish towards different directions in life.

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The tree caught my eye because its trunk looks strong, and firm and its branches have grown in different directions. This reminds me of how children grow and flourish towards different directions in life.

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The unusual tree trunks grooves and rough surface caught my attention as something deeper. Representing a story of the tree's history and perseverance. 

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The unusual tree trunks grooves and rough surface caught my attention as something deeper. Representing a story of the tree's history and perseverance. 

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I captured this photo because I loved the way the sunlight was seeping through. It was a very old tree, and its trunk reminded me of stability and growth over a long period of time. Its branches had branched out in many different directions, just like children. Starting small and eventually progressing towards different avenues in their life.

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I captured this photo because I loved the way the sunlight was seeping through. It was a very old tree, and its trunk reminded me of stability and growth over a long period of time. Its branches had branched out in many different directions, just like children. Starting small and eventually progressing towards different avenues in their life.

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This photo I captured on the day reminded me of early beginnings. It looks small and fragile in comparison to the other trees that were big and strong. This reminded me of how children initially begin, small and fragile. But with the correct nurturing and support they have the potential to grow firm, strong and unbreakable like the other trees.

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This photo I captured on the day reminded me of early beginnings. It looks small and fragile in comparison to the other trees that were big and strong. This reminded me of how children initially begin, small and fragile. But with the correct nurturing and support they have the potential to grow firm, strong and unbreakable like the other trees.

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1. ACECQA. (2022). Belonging, being and becoming: The early years learning framework for australia (V2.0). In ACECQA. https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf

2. Wright, S. (2011). Children, Meaning-Making and the Arts. ResearchGate; Pearson. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289129165_Children_Meaning-Making_and_the_Arts

Prins, J., van der Wilt, F., van Santen, S., van der Veen, C., & Hovinga, D. (2023). The importance of play in natural environments for children’s language development: an explorative study in early childhood education. International Journal of Early Years Education, 31(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2022.2144147

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