Here is the link for my video-https://youtube.com/shorts/U-cpagV1U8M?feature=share 

https://youtu.be/dBRzrK91elo 

I recently revisited one of my favorite places, CERES in Brunswick East, which is on Woi-wurrung Wurundjeri land. I have a small vegetable patch there, and while I usually enjoy gardening, today I decided to take a peaceful walk instead. As I wandered, I listened to the sounds around me and watered the garden. Spring had brought bright colors and fresh greenery, with water flowing over the leaves, creating a natural melody. The rustling leaves, chirping birds, and buzzing bees added to the calm atmosphere. I could hear children laughing, birds chirping, butterflies fluttering, and water from the sprinkler, all coming together to make music. I also saw many people enjoying the beautiful scenery of CERES. As I walked, I became aware of my breathing and footsteps, feeling a deep sense of peace and inspiration, as if I were about to write a poem. 

I observed people walking their dogs, children excitedly pointing out chickens and imitating their sounds. In the distance, I could hear from the distance a car train motorbike. Being in this environment made me reflect on the beauty of daily life. I noticed bees busily collecting nectar from flowers, which made me think they might be gathering food for their babies. I also saw two birds drinking from a bird bath, and it made me wish I could experience such freedom. It felt as if I were a bird myself, exploring nature and soaring alongside them. I loved the sound of the trees rustling and the water gently flowing, feeling connected to the natural world as if I were part of its symphony. 

https://youtu.be/71C64FzXWVI

Once there was a little fairy named Daphne. She loved flying around the CERES garden, singing songs, and looking at the colorful flowers. One day, while picking vegetables, she suddenly heard a grumbling noise coming from a plant. Daphne was surprised and flew back, but then she stopped to see what it was. A voice from the bush growled, "Who am I going to eat today?" 

Even though she was scared, Daphne bravely asked, "Who are you? What are you doing in my garden? Show yourself!" 

Out of the bush came an ALIVE CUCUMBER! The cucumber was angry and not friendly at all. He tried to scare Daphne. She was nervous but also curious. Daphne said, "I am a fairy, and I can do magic!" But she was still learning, and her spell went wrong. Instead of turning the cucumber back into a vegetable, she made him grow into a giant! 

Daphne was very scared and flew away, but the giant cucumber chased her. She got her foot stuck in a vine and was almost caught. Then she remembered her mother’s advice: “Take a deep breath or sing when you’re scared.” So Daphne sang a song, got her courage back, and cast another spell. This time, the cucumber turned back into a regular vegetable. 

Daphne was safe and excited to tell her mother, who was very proud of her bravery 

(B.Meyers,Brooker, Blaise, & Edwards, 2014). 

According to "The Importance of Pretend Play in Natural Settings" (Wallin, 2019), outdoor play is essential for children's development. Nature helps kids be creative, solve problems, and build strength without needing adult guidance. Simple activities, like filling a bag or cooking under a tree, encourage imagination and teamwork. Outdoor play is not just fun; it's important for raising well-rounded children. 

Thinking about my childhood in a small village in Nepal, where playing outside was common, I feel lucky compared to today's children who often use technology and have busy lives. As a future teacher, I want to make sure children have many chances to play outside. "Children, Creative Play, and the Natural Environment" (Wilson, 2007) supports this, showing that nature play boosts curiosity and creativity without adult control. Nature's calm, open space encourages children to explore and take risks, which is crucial in a tech-heavy world. Therefore, it's important to offer children plenty of outdoor play for their overall growth and well-being.

- Adena B.Meyers and Laura E.Berk, Brooker, Blaise, & Edwards,  SAGE Reference, Make-Believe Play and Self-Regulation,2014, https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1783102-ECE2008-1-2023-H1B3-150037/the-sage-handbook-of-play-and-learning-in-early-childhood%20(1).pdf?ou=2040493 

-Marisa Lark Wallin, Let's Play outside, The Importance of Pretend Play in Natural Settings, June 2019, https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-importance-of-pretend-play-in-natural-settings#:~:text=When%20children%20are%20given%20the%20time%20and%20space%20to%20play,to%20cognitive%20and%20linguistic%20growth. 

-Wilson, Ruth, and Ruth Wilson. Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments, Routledge, 2007. https://vucollaborate.vu.edu.au/content/enforced/1816406-ECE2008-1-2023-HWB-151670/Nature_and_Young_Children_Encouraging_Creative_Pla..._----_(Chpater_1_Children_creative_play_and_the_natural_environment)2.pdf?ou=2040493