Ungunmerr, M. R. (1988). Dadirri: Inner deep listening and quiet still awareness. Miriam Rose Foundation. https://www.miriamrosefoundation.org.au/about/dadirri/

Adam Neely. (2018, May 1). What does music mean? [Video]. YouTube.  https://youtu.be/GeoDIVVP20M?si=jVX8BPQZpXIiA618

Australian Government Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, being and becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia Victoria University (2025).

Bangarra Education Resources Mutton Bird. (1) Liquid Metal Red Abstract Background video | Footage | ScreensaverScreensaver - YouTube

creative play and the natural environment https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1783102-ECE2008-1-2023-H1B3-150037/Nature_and_Young_Children_Encouraging_Creative_Pla..._----_(Chpater_1_Children_creative_play_and_the_natural_environment)1.pdf?ou=2253578

Gandini, L. (2012). The atelier: A conversation with Vea Vecchi. C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia experience in transformation (3rd ed., pp. 303–316). ABC-CLIO, LLC. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/vu/reader.action?docID=820317&ppg=330

ISBN: 9780313359620

A voice in the wind, not quite my own,
Whispers of Country, soft and known.
Feet on the earth, breath in the air,
In stillness I’m listening fully aware,

that country is there.

Music is an art. Music can help us communicate with expressions on how we feel, it connects us beyond words. It can invoke our emotions, calm our minds, it also can be used for different purposes. like therapy, healing and stress. Music is a dynamic form of language that is not bound to semantic logic, its language is grounded in metaphor, (Neely, 2018).

When I dance, everything else fades away. It’s not just movement it's freedom. The music takes over, and my body follows without overthinking. I love how dancing lets me express what I can’t always put into words like joy, stress, excitement, even sadness. Each step, spin, or sway feels like a conversation between me and the rhythm. It’s where I feel most connected to myself.

I will use soundscapes and natural materials in creative arts and storytelling which will allow children to build on their sensory experiences.

I will design learning environments that heighten sensory engagement, especially outdoor walks and nature play.

I will promote quiet moments for children to connect with their environment, encouraging mindfulness and reflective practices. According to Wilson R, (2007) This article explains how important it is for children to play in the natural environment. Wilson reminds us that childhood is not about getting ready for the future. She talks about unstructured play being very important for the children's development and reducing stress. Even The Atelier by Gandini, L. (2012) The hundred languages of children chapter talks about children being highly capable, confident and curious learners. As an educator, I will incorporate more nature based play into my practice. I aim to create more opportunities for nature play to support children’s development and connection to the natural world.