Children at Kyneton’s Lady Brooks Kindergarten are able to enjoy a hands-on experience as they learn about the natural environment around them.
An outdoor classroom and sensory garden was introduced at the kinder last year with the help of a Powerful Youth Projects grant.
A rain gauge, thermometer, wind spinners and an optical prism were set up in the outdoor space, alongside an observation table containing giant magnifying glasses.
About 130 pupils got stuck into setting up the space, which included a working bee to plant indigenous grasses and plants to provide a habitat for animals and insects.
Lady Brooks parents committee president Josephine Naughton said the kinder was delighted with the results.
“Kinder yards can be very noisy and busy, but through design, we have created a separate outdoor classroom that encourages a child to slow down and take in the information around them,” she said.
Grants are available through the Powerful Youth Projects program again this year.
Schools, childcare centres and youth groups can apply for one of 200 grants of up to $1000 for sustainability and environmental projects such as vegie gardens, frog ponds and recycling programs.
Details: landcareaustralia.org.au/powerful-youth-projects
