Building better children by getting back to nature

By Mac Lyon

When the bell rings for lunch students at Ballandean State School head straight for a playground they build themselves.

One of half a dozen small states schools dotted across the Granite Belt, Ballandean’s Principal takes a different approach to learning.

“Looking at how we can engage them in a rich, diverse, truly authentic curriculum,” Principal Susan Evans said.

“Getting kids outside and using our environment to teach. So it’s an extension of the classroom.

“Rather than having so many rules, and an adult interpretation of play and learning, they can learn more spontaneously.”

From roasting marshmallows by an imaginary campfire, to constructing cubbies out of bamboo, tarps and tree branches, students have embraced nature-based play.

Watch the full story on Stories Told.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DTwxkocWXg