"Hannah Watts Park: Where Hummingbirds Sing in Harmony and Ducks Waltz to Nature's Rhythms."

I began walking along the pathway and heard the gentle waves of water created by little ducks waltzing and swimming. Closing my eyes, I allowed my mind to soar like the birds flying back and forth toward the sky. I breathed deeply, energizing all my senses, fully immersing myself in the natural environment.

As I moved my body and engaged in imaginative play like a child, I felt a sense of self-determination and enjoyment. I mimicked a duck dancing a waltz in the water, extending my arms and executing a quick turn to feel the morning breeze on my face. I felt a sense of calm and relaxation. It seems I smelled the cool breeze and take the scent and sweet suppliments from tress and grasses.

As I continued my dramatic journey, I encountered a baby kangaroo hopping across the pathway, quickly running and seeking refuge in a tall tree. In the midst of nature's embrace, I shed my worries and danced with my imagination. Here, I felt deeply connected to the earth, appreciating its beauty with every step. I turned my head around, gazing up high at the tall trees standing like sentinels in the middle of the city. I witnessed birds chirping in their branches, fearlessly flocking towards the sky.

When I go back to my childhood, I remember our farm surrounded by wildwoods . As children on our farm, hide and seek led to playful imitations of animal sounds, adding to the thrill. We'd also mimic our father's care for the land, pretending to oversee crops and animals, feeling pride in our roles. These moments connected us deeply to farm life's rhythms and responsibilities.

Every evening, when the sun set, the sky transformed into an array of gold and crimson colours. Birds, like tiny dancers, flew against the background. The air expressed whispers of leaves and distant animal sounds, resulting in a natural harmony.

In such times, it seemed like the whole universe was alive and moving to an unknown rhythm. Nature unfolded its drama, each sight captivating in its simplicity. It was a period when I felt completely linked to everything around me, as if I were a part of a huge play.

These memories remind me of the beauty and magic found in the most basic of things. They generate feelings of thankfulness for the natural world's abundance and the delight it offers to all of our senses.

 This experience emphasized the significance of natural environments and active exploration in early childhood education. When allowed to dance with creativity and explore nature, children develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills (Wilson, 2007).

In my creative expression, I've blended a poem with thoughts on my recent On Country visit, aiming to capture how nature impacts our lives. Through simple yet colorful descriptions, I've tried to show the calmness of Hannah Watts Park and the happiness of being surrounded by nature.

Memories of my childhood spent on a farm further highlight the special connection between humans and nature, reminding me of how nature shapes who we are.

As I walked through the park, I was amazed by the beauty of sunlight filtering through the trees, the sound of birds singing, and the sight of animals moving around. I let myself get lost in the moment, imagining I was part of the scenery, dancing like the ducks on the water and hopping like the kangaroos.

Reflecting on these experiences, I'm reminded of how important it is for kids to play and explore in nature. I was inspired by Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, particularly the naturalistic intelligence, emphasizes the significance of recognizing and nurturing children's unique abilities to understand and appreciate the natural environment (Gardner, 1999). Whether it's listening to birds chirping or feeling the wind on their faces, nature provides endless opportunities for discovery and joy.

The On Country visit to Hannah Watts Park was an enriching experience, where I encountered a plethora of natural artifacts that stirred my senses and sparked my imagination. As I meandered along the pathways, I was captivated by the diverse array of wildlife and flora that adorned the landscape. The park's inhabitants included graceful ducks gracefully navigating the stream, their presence adding a sense of tranquility to the surroundings.

Overhead, a chorus of birdsong resonated from the branches of tall trees, their vibrant melodies filling the air with a symphony of sounds. Amidst this natural orchestra, a fleeting glimpse of a kangaroo darting across the pathway added a touch of wilderness to the urban oasis. The lush grasses swayed gently in the breeze, their verdant hues contrasting against the concrete jungle beyond.

Each artifact - from the graceful movements of the ducks to the towering presence of the trees - served as a reminder of the beauty and biodiversity that thrives within our natural environments. This experience underscored the importance of preserving and cherishing these invaluable treasures for generations to come.

Gardner, H. (1999). Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice. Basic Books.

Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder. Algonquin Books.

 TEDx Talks. (2013). Music as a language: Victor Wooten at TEDxGabriolaIsland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zvjW9arAZ0.

Ungunmerr-Baumann, M.-R. (2002). Dadirri: Inner deep listening and quiet still awareness (pp. 1–4). Emmaus Productions. http://www.dadirri.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Dadirri-Inner-Deep-Listening-M-R-Ungunmerr-Bauman-Refl1.pdf. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=tow2tR_ezL8

Wilson, R, 2007, Children, creative play, and the natural environment, in R. Wilson (edn) Nature and Young Children : Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments, Routledge. Ch 1, pp 1-18. Children, creative play, and the natural environment opens in new window

Dadirri, Inner Deep Listening by Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr, encourages inner peace and harmony. Through attentive listening to natural sounds, like breath, birds, and flowing rivers, Dadirri emphasizes the value of slowing down and connecting with one's surroundings. As an educator, I believe Dadirri can foster children's understanding of Aboriginal heritage and their connection to the environment. In my practice, I prioritize listening to children, using deep listening and nature connection to better understand and support their needs.

Integrating nature-based play into my role as an early childhood educator will enhance children's creativity and

overall development (Wilson, 2007). I am now inspired to include more natural play and imaginative activities in my future teaching practices, encouraging sensory exploration in natural settings and recognizing the transformative potential of nature play in early childhood education.