Calling all Nanas, Lolas, Nonnas, Kuais and Grandma’s – it’s time to go wild. Can you mess up your back or front yard for the sake of your grandchildren? I did and I’m going to tell you why and what I did. Pictured: Sophia’s mud kitchen space Before Sophia was born in 2020, she had […]
Whilst families have faced many new challenges in these unprecedented times with the pandemic, there have been positive impacts on communities as well. As many families were homebound working and supporting children to learn at home, more time was spent in family homes and streets within the neighbourhoods. Old friendships were revitalised and new connections […]
Through a Heart Foundation Active Australia Innovation Grant, the partnership of Nature Play QLD, BUSHkids and The Outsiders: Play Advocates was born. We headed out on tour to parts of regional Queensland to spread the word, highlight the benefits and share experiences about playwork and loose parts play. Over 15 days, we were lucky enough […]
How the neighbourhood constructed a positive and healthy sense of self If play is the lifeblood of childhood, the central lifeforce for children, the impetus of their development and vitality, then the neighbourhood is the vein (cardiovascular) system for this lifeblood to circulate. It is the network of channels where this lifeforce can flow freely. Invigorating, stimulating […]
How were we to know How were we to know that we were taking for granted that the neighbourhood would always be there and accessible for children? Or how important the neighbourhood is for children? A critical resource in supporting children’s overall development, shaping positive identities in children, as community members, caring, empathetic, doers, active, connectors, […]
Christmas is a funny time in Queensland. The day brings a satisfyingly silly mix of snowy Christmas trees, mangoes, Santa hats, swimmers and relatives sweating through wildly illogical hot hams and flaming puddings in tissue paper crowns. Our weather has created Queensland Christmassy traditions that are all our own, and really quite outdoorsy – BBQs, trips to the nearest […]
Are you happy with the new neighbourhood narrative? We have lived through a story of freedom, fun, friends, challenge and adventure, only to see this story step into an alternate universe where the complete opposite is now the dominant narrative unfolding in neighbourhoods for children. After dedicating 12 months to exploring ‘Neighbourhood Play’ in depth, […]
