Nature Isn’t a Subject—It’s the Whole Curriculum
A few weeks ago at Wild Gully, I watched a group of children building a bridge across a dry creek bed with sticks and fallen palm fronds.
There was no instruction sheet. No adult interference. Just a shared goal, lots of muddy knees, and serious concentration.
One child measured the span with her foot, counting out loud. Another tested the strength of each log. A third adjusted the placement to make it “more balanced.” They disagreed. They negotiated. They persisted.
In that half hour, I saw maths, science, language, social skills, gross motor development, leadership, and resilience.
And not one worksheet in sight.
Real Learning Lives Outside
In early childhood, we often hear the term “school readiness.”
But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question?
Instead of “Is this child ready for school?” we should ask:
👉 “Is the school ready for this child?”
Because here’s what we know:
Children are born ready to learn. Their brains are wired for exploration, movement, and connection. And nature is the perfect match for those needs.
Angela Hanscom, paediatric occupational therapist and founder of TimberNook, says:
“Nature provides the ultimate sensory experience. It offers the movement, risk, unpredictability, and rich sensory input children need to grow and develop.”
Every Domain, Every Day
When a child plays in nature, they aren’t just being entertained—they’re being educated. Here's how:
Cognitive Growth
Children learn best through real, hands-on experiences. Nature offers limitless chances to test, explore, experiment, and wonder.
Sorting leaves by size = early maths.
Finding patterns in bark = foundational science.
Solving how to cross a stream = executive functioning.
Physical Development
Rough, uneven ground. Things to climb. Objects to lift and carry. Nature play supports whole-body movement, balance, and coordination—things children aren’t getting enough of in sedentary settings.
Research shows that children’s core strength, posture, and fine motor skills are all improved through outdoor, unstructured play.
Social & Emotional Learning
In nature, there’s no script. Children have to collaborate, problem-solve, take turns, and manage conflict.
They also have space for big feelings. Space to be alone if they need it.
Nature regulates the nervous system. It invites calm, curiosity, and connection.
What If This Is the Curriculum?
At Wild Gully, we don’t prep kids for worksheets.
We prep them for life.
We believe:
Children don’t need more structured programs.
They need freedom to explore in a rich, natural environment.
They don’t need to sit still to learn.
They need to move, feel, question, and try.
When you trust play—really trust it—you start to see what a powerful teacher it is.
And you realise:
Nature doesn’t just support the curriculum. It IS the curriculum.
So what’s next?
Whether you’re a parent wondering if your child will “fall behind” without structured activities...
Or an educator feeling the pressure to tick off standards at the cost of play...
Let this be your reminder:
Nature-based play isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
It builds brains. It builds bodies. It builds character.
And it builds childhoods we’ll actually want to remember.
Come see it for yourself
Our Term 2 sessions are now open for bookings! With limited numbers, your child will be supported, seen, and able to thrive in a nurturing, natural environment that puts play first.
🪵 Thursday & Friday – Little Explorers (9:30am–11:30am)
🌳 Friday – Bush Kindy (3-hour drop-off, 9:30am start)
🌈 Friday – Homeschool Nature Play (9:30am–12:30pm)
Ready for a childhood rooted in wonder?
Come and grow wild with us.
💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts—how has nature shaped your child’s learning?
Educators—want to bring nature play into your own practice?
Train with us to learn how to lead with play, reimagine your environment, and advocate for learning that truly matters.
