Embracing Nature: the Australian Forest School Association’s Guiding Principles in Action Birdwings Forest School is a founding member of the Australian Forest School Association (AFSA) committee. As a pioneering nature immersion enterprise we have been promoting nature-based practices for nearly a decade. We helped to form this exciting national organisation so that we, as a … Continue reading Australian Forest School & Best Practice in Nature
When the children returned to our Little Birdwings Bush Kindy program after Cyclone Alfred, some greeted us with "We have the power!". They meant their homes had electricity again, but in that moment, I couldn't help but think—yes, they DO have the power. They have the power of resilience, the power of play, and the power of the people who held space for them during a challenging week.
Healing Stories for Children During Wild WeatherAt Birdwings Forest School, we know that wild weather, like Cyclone Alfred, can cause anxiety in children. While we embrace outdoor play in all weather, we stay calm and prepared during storms. We use creative processes such as storytelling, songs, and nature play to help children process their feelings. If you’re interested in learning how to write healing stories for children, we offer a 3-day Ecological Storytelling course and a recorded webinar to help you get started. Discover how to support children’s emotional resilience and nature connection through the power of storytelling at Birdwings Forest School.
As parents, it’s hard to watch our children struggle. We want to nurture resilience, protect them from discomfort and frustration, stepping in when they face challenges. It’s a natural instinct—to smooth the way and keep them safe from emotional or physical hardship. But are we holding them back from learning how to be resilient? We … Continue reading How to Nurture Resilience by Celebrating Your Child’s Struggles
Birdwings Forest School is facing a challenge that could jeopardize our nature-connection programs for children! Help Birdwings Forest School face this battle.
Why Connecting with Nature is Crucial for Our Children's Future Happy Earth Day, everyone! Today, as we celebrate this beautiful planet, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the role we each play in nurturing and protecting it. Especially important is the role our children will play in the future of conservation and sustainability. Here … Continue reading Celebrating Earth Day
As the new term approaches, we find ourselves on the brink of new adventure as we are starting kindy and school soon! For many parents, especially those experiencing this for the first time, it's entirely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Rest assured, you're not alone in these emotions, and we're here … Continue reading Starting Kindy! How to Approach Day One with Confidence and Excitement
When our children are around 4 years of age, we start thinking about getting ready for school. The problem is, we tend to think being ready for school means learning some literacy and numeracy. Believe it or not, that's the easy bit. Those concepts will be much easier to learn when all the other stuff … Continue reading Are They Ready For School? No, Ready for Life!
Did you know that native bees are significant in Kombumerri culture? Jabreen, the Kombumerri creator, feasted on native bee honey after shaping the lands and waters of the Gold Coast. Jabreen eventually created Jellargal (Burleigh Mountain), the place of honey and the place of bees. The Dreaming story emphasizes the sacred connection between Aboriginal culture … Continue reading Celebrating Australian Pollinator Week with Kids and Native Bees
A Parent's Guide to Ticks In Australia with a Bonus FREE Fact Sheet Meet Ixodes holocyclus. We love creatures, but this little bitty arachnid, commonly known as ticks, is not our favourite friend to meet when we play. Ticks generally spend their time hanging out in humid places like creeks, forests and bushy spots (so, … Continue reading Top Tips for Ticks in Nature Play