At Muddy Kids One Day Programme, our children spend a day outside in nature playing as children should. Our day starts with a morning meeting where the children collectively decide the narrative of the day. Sometimes it is staying at the site, or going to the beach, going for a walk exploring the park gun emplacement.

What they learn with us:

• To respect themselves and others. Not through laying down the law, but through conversations of empathy and perspectives. Children are guided to understand how their actions impact their friends and themselves. They learn to understand they are the boss of their own bodies and how to keep themselves safe.
• They grow emotionally while negotiating relationships with friends and those they do not see eye to eye with. Not everyone will always get along. Conflict is to be learned from not shut down. We exercise our problem solving skills when finding solutions that respect everyone’s play.
• Improve mental well being by feeling heard, listened to and respected. Our students all have an equal say in the day’s activities. Our teachers keep a close ear on how the children treat each other and how they resolve any disputes. Being in nature the full impact of using all of our senses in an unstructured environment has been proven by science to reduced stress and improve well-being.
• Build confidence by promoting independence and doing things for themselves. Educators don’t do anything for the kids that they can do themselves. We will encourage, coach, guide and step in when things are overwhelming, but we understand that challenge and frustration are themselves learning tools. Sometimes the best and most profound lessons are learnt by being uncomfortable. The pride that a child has when they are finally able to climb that norfolk pine by themselves for the first time is undeniably powerful.

The responsibility of our educators is to hold a safe space, emotionally and physically, for the children to test their own limits, explore their imaginations and grow.

Children enrolled in school will need permission from their principal to participate in our one day programme. The response of every school varies, but overall schools have been very positive and encouraging of participation. We have had several teachers encourage students to join us as they have seen the positive effects in the classroom of kids who have played with us.

If you are unsure or feel that your school will need more information, please let us know. We are more than happy to help.

Details:

• Teacher to student ratio 1:8
• Time: 9am-3pm
• Days: Wednesdays and Fridays
• Location: Long Bay regional Park : The park is large and offers a variety of play spaces. We move around the park as the seasons and the weather dictate. Each morning of the one day programme, parents are notified through our private facebook group where we will be setting up for the day.
• Cost: $65/session, approx $650-$780/term depending on the term length.