Schools across Bunbury celebrated the importance of getting outdoors last week.
Outdoor Classroom Day was held internationally last Thursday to inspire outdoor learning and play with more than 50,000 students taking part across WA.
It was the first time Bunbury’s Cooinda Primary School got on board with the initiative with each class choosing a time during the day to enjoy the great outdoors.
Outdoor Classroom Day organiser and Year 5/6 teacher Keryn Shalders said it was great for the school to be part of it all.
“This year because it was our first year to have a go, we’ve mainly been doing things based around mental health and that connection to nature,” she said.
“We’ve been choosing activities like reading with a friend, doing meditation, relaxing and mindful activities.
“I think a lot of kids don’t get a lot of opportunities at home times where they’re able to do it so it’s good for us to be able to give them the opportunity during class time to come out and also it’s that connection with nature and those things that are great for everyone's mental health.
“I think that the kids have found it a really great experience, it’s something new, it’s something different – our school is looking at doing more things with our playground and setting up an actual undercover outdoor area that is still open.”
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said the day was a fantastic way to get kids out into nature and had proven popular, in what was only the second year for the event.
“Playing outdoors and in nature was a big part of my childhood - and it’s a shame to see the younger generations missing out on the life skills, resilience and physical and mental health benefits that come with outdoor play,” he said.
Nature Play WA chief executive Griffin Longley said research showed that outdoor learning and play helped kids learn, be more active and healthy, and increased their chances of being environmental stewards of the future.
“It really is something that impacts almost every aspect of children’s lives and development, so it is great to see a linked-up approach to it with support for the campaign coming from the State Government across the sport and recreation, education, and environment portfolios.”
