Nurturing Greener Minds
Why we prioritise sustainability and outdoor learning
Developmental benefit
Nature has a place in early childhood education, research shows, with many studies linking nature play to improved cognitive, behavioural, and physical development in children.
Exploring nature
Our Greener Minds Program sees that nature is explored, valued and looked after in our daily interactions, acti
Inspirational Connections
These natural environments inspire stories, connections and a deep respect for the world around us. They invite us to play, learn and develop essential life skills.
What is the Greener Minds program?
Designed by our educators for our educators, Greener Minds supports our teams’ commitment to sustainable practices and delivery of accurate, engaging and age-appropriate learning.
If you are wondering how a sustainability program can help your young learner, consider how children learn, and consider the very nature of, well, nature!
Sustainability is now embedded in the Australian Curriculum. By familiarising your child with its concepts early, we are nurturing confident, active learners at school. Natural spaces provide stimulating, sensory-rich environments where children can be curious and learn through play, observation, and exploration.
Nurturing young minds
If you are wondering how a sustainability program can help your young learner, consider how children learn, and consider the very nature of, well, nature!
Outdoor and nature themed play helps
Encourage active lifestyles and improve physical health
Develop fine and gross motor skills
Build self-esteem and confidence
Nurture social and communication skills
Ensure learning is relevant and inspiring
Nurture creativity and critical thinking
Encourage decision-making and problem-solving skills
Develop an appreciation and respect for nature
Ecourage sustainability
Respect for the environment is in our DNA
From their very first day at our centres, children are encouraged to love their environments and embrace eco-friendly behaviours.
- Gently guided by our educators, your child will learn why and how to:
- conserve water (turn off taps)
- conserve energy (turn off lights)
- dispose waste mindfully
- recycle
- reuse items where possible
Sustainability isn’t just a theme, it’s a practice that puts children and their future first…
Immersive Learning
Outdoor play, excursions and child-led exploration into the world’s current environmental issues are just a few of the many immersive experiences we provide our young learners through Greener Minds.
Your child may take part in:
- nurturing plants, gardens and vegetable patches
- composting and recycling
- caring for animals and worm farms
- eco-themed and -friendly arts and crafts
- nature-based activities and nature play
- exploring community gardens, parks, and forests
- interactive presentations from key community members.
Our educators are assessed and endorsed by Nature Play Queensland, meeting the necessary requirements to provide authentic, engaging outdoor learning.
Building Communities
We build strong relationships in our local communities to encourage sustainability and support local businesses. We aim to nurture a community both within and outside of our centres which we believe is the first step for our children to begin cultivating a sense of belonging.
Some of our partnerships include:
- local fruit shops to provide children and centre staff with fresh produce each week.
- Kids Heart Pilates
- Men’s Shed
- Reverse Garbage Queensland
- Nature Play Queensland
- Local Council
Join our journey
At its heart, sustainability is a collaborative effort. That’s why we invite families to bring our Greener Minds philosophy into their own homes and share our vision for a sustainable future.
Of course, you can keep up to date with our experiences through our online StoryPark platform.
Speak with one of our educators to learn more about our Greener Minds program and how your child can learn to embrace and respect nature through play, observation, and exploration.