The sound of excited explorers trickled down the valley as Carey’s Year 2 students discovered the connections between the Mountain Ash forest, Badger Creek and local wildlife. Students’ imagination was captivated as they engaged with the living story of nature by walking the Lyrebird Track and playing in the creek. It was a joy to witness students’ curiosity and unrestrained engagement with nature.
The Lyrebird Walk provided students with opportunities to learn about Mountain Ash forests and their role in the ecosystem. We discovered that one mountain ash tree is as tall as all the Year 2 students standing on each other’s shoulders. Students were able to touch, smell and listen to the sounds of the forest, which was such an overwhelming sensory delight. Stories and sounds of wildlife helped us wonder at the vibrancy and diversity of life in the forest.
Creek play immersed students in the role of water in sustaining life, both in nature and in our cities. The clean, cold, fresh water was soft on the skin, and its clarity provided a perfect window into the aquatic ecosystem. In real time, students’ imaginations came to life as they played and were transported to another equally real experience.
Students continued their learning through creative expression with crayon and watercolour. Creek scenes portrayed the dominant species of the setting, which provided habitat for various animals. Creek water was used literally to depict the scene, as colours were mixed with local water. Individuals recorded their learning, and each piece was joined together to create a collage of student learning – one long creek representing the flow of student inquiry from our Year 2s.
Experiential learning, such as that enjoyed on the Year 2 Badger Weir program, is such a treasure. Crafted experiences provided such rich opportunities for inquiry, adventure and nature play, ultimately leading to abundant learning. Carey’s Year 2 students had a fun day outdoors as they frolicked and learnt simultaneously.
Tim Bailey
Outdoor Education Teacher
