The first thing that caught my attention was the sweet melody of bird chipping. As I walked along the path, I could hear the different tunes of various birds, creating a symphony of nature. It was a reminder that no matter how chaotic life may seem, there is always beauty and harmony to be found. The chirping of birds also reminded me of my childhood days, when I would spend hours listening to them and trying to identify each one by their sound. As I continued my walk, I found myself surrounded by tall trees, and the sound of their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze was like music to my ears. It was a calming and soothing sound that made me slow down and appreciate the present moment. The leaves, in shades of green, red, yellow, and orange, create a mesmerizing canvas that is impossible to ignore. Each leaf seems to have a story of its own, a journey from being a tiny bud to a fully grown leaf, dancing in the gentle breeze. It is a reminder of the cycle of life, the constant change and growth that we all go through. The earthy smell of the soil, the fresh scent of the leaves, and the gentle rustling of the trees create a sensory experience that is truly unmatched. It is not just the physical sensations that make these country walks so special that bringing my childhood memories back. I can almost hear the laughter of myself and my siblings and the chirping of the birds that used to be my constant companions. The country walk also took me to a playground where I saw children running around and playing. The sound of their laughter and playful screams was infectious, and it brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of the carefree days of my childhood, where the only worry was having fun. It made me realize that we often get caught up in the responsibilities and stress of adulthood, and we forget to let loose and enjoy the little things in life. 
As I reach the end of my walk, I am left with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for these country walks, the tree leaves, the sensations, feelings, and thoughts that come with it. It is a reminder of the simple joys of life and the importance of taking a moment to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. So, the next time life becomes overwhelming, I know that a country walk is all I need to find my inner peace once again.  

Nature walks have always been a popular activity for early childhood education, as they provide children with the opportunity to explore and learn about the world around them. As I observe the changing weather and the shifting colours of the leaves, I find myself inspired to teach the children at my centre about the seasons and the environment. I also believe that incorporating reflective discussions during these walks can enhance the learning experience for both the children and the educators. According to Reggio’s approach (Nolan. 2015, pg. 39), the environment is considered the children's "third" teacher. I plan to use the "Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down" song with action, based on the tune of "London Bridge is Falling Down," to help the children learn more about the different seasons and colours through music. With a play-based setting, the children are able to extend their knowledge of nature and also learn different colours through this song. As Wilson. R (2018, pg. 76) stated that children learn through their interactions with nature and come to understand that their actions can have an impact on other living things. 

Through these nature walks, I will keep encouraging the children in touch with the natural environment by listening to the nature sounds, feeling the texture of tree leaves, or smelling the flowers. Wilson. R. (2007, pg.2)also mentioned that children gain other concepts and skills as they play, as well. By doing so, children will be able to form a deeper connection with nature, engage their senses, and interact with their surroundings. Natural environments provide a rich setting for children to develop their observation skills, engage with their surroundings, and draw connections between different elements in nature. I believe that this approach complements and expands upon current practices and promotes a more holistic approach to learning. As educators, it is our responsibility to provide children with enriching learning experiences in various settings, especially in natural environments. 

• Wilson, R.(2007).Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments. Routledge.

• Nolan, A. (2015). Theories into practice: Understanding and rethinking our work with young children and the EYLF. Essential Resources Educational Publishers Ltd.. 

• Wilson, R. (2018). Nature and Young Children: Encouraging Creative Play and Learning in Natural Environments (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Falling down. Falling down.

Autumn leaves are falling down.

Red and Yellow. Orange and Brown.

Autumn leaves are twirling around.

Twirling around. Twirling around.

Autumn leaves are twirling around.

Red and Yellow. Orange and Brown.