Multi-aged meaningful learning for the benefit of everyone involved is integral to Natural Learning Centre philosophy.
All children have opportunities to work and play at their own pace regardless of their age; maximising the potential to take advantage of the numerous activities, invitations to play and workshops on offer throughout each session… to follow (and ignite) their interests and be both nurturer and nurtured…teacher and student…
A nature book created by an older child might be brought across to show a younger group and guide them on a forest adventure…A STEAM challenge or DIY obstacle course created by older children might then initiate facilitating the same activity for the younger children on site…Younger children might create a mini world and invite the older children to interact together with them…or a potions lab pop-up in the Forest Room with plenty of space for children across all groups onsite to get involved and have fun…A home-made lemonade stand or drama/show might appear... for the younger children to then enjoy spending their NLC ‘money’ (gum nuts/decorated repurposed washers/leaves) and appreciate the older children’s efforts…
…Ever changing opportunities for multi aged children that weave themselves so naturally through our NLC seasons…with no limitations placed on what age children should be doing what and when…
Opportunities to cross-over with children and our multi-skilled facilitators in other groups is actively encouraged and purposely planned for, with the flexibility to also make use of spontaneous opportunities. A genuine reflection of real life, for as adults we interweave across ages, abilities and interests.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for (hu)mankind”
The older children in our groups have opportunities to get involved in sessions that incorporate slightly more structure, without compromising the outdoor nature, environment/sustainable focus and flexible learning and play that takes place across all groups. Opportunities to get involved in creating a sustainable magazine for children by children…opportunities to be a difference maker in our community (age has no boundaries!) and celebrate diversity…to champion our environment and enjoy time within it thoughtfully…To enjoy creating sustainable art and grow gardens…to experiment and question…to discover and play…To potentially try Sounds Write outdoors if they are ready to give reading and writing a go…to be immersed in other cultures…to gain confidence and understand and employ compassion and empathy…to feel included and safe…to have their interests and dreams for the way they like to learn and live their life heard, acknowledged and incorporated into their own NLC sessions…
Regular incursions and excursions are incorporated into each of our terms/seasons with families across all groups (all ages) welcome to attend…providing additional opportunities for multi age enjoyment and learning…and fostering a real family/community feel.
