CONTEXTUAL STATEMENT
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”
― Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
I love that quote from Rachel Carlson. It captures completely how land art and environmental studies can impact on the overall development of a child, particularly their sense of self, inner strength and resilience.
So why is land art an important part of a child’s holistic education and development?
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a national curriculum that all early childhood educators follow. It recognises that early childhood is a vital period in a child’s developmental journey and that play based learning is an intrinsic part of a child’s holistic development. ”All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation” (EYLF p5).
Discovering land art with children is a wonderful opportunity to teach children to appreciate the delicacy and beauty of our natural world, the world they will inherit. Land art in early childhood is all about feeling new textures, creating something unique, exploring the world and having fun. It is learning through play and discovery. It aims to help children create a positive self identity and self confidence. The EYLF notes that in Australia we are incredibly lucky to have access to a huge variety of outdoor environments. “These spaces invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education.” (EYLF p 16)
Central to the EYLF are five learning outcomes:
Children have a strong sense of identity
Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Children are confident and involved learners
Children are effective communicators
In my lesson plans I will be focusing on learning outcomes 1, 2 & 4, though of course the aim should always be to incorporate all five learning outcomes in all lessons and interactions with children.
Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity - Art is an excellent tool for developing a child's individual identity. Children must be encouraged to create art that is unique and personal, an artwork that means something to them. This must be given unconditional support and encouragement by the educator
Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world - Land art offers children an excellent opportunity to learn about the natural environment around them, develop a love and respect for nature and open up to discussions about mans impact on the natural world. Children should be encouraged to show concern for both their natural environment and the other people in the world.
Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners - Through good support and role models children naturally develop their sense of wonder and curiosity. In early childhood this is best achieved through 'free play' in which the child discovers the world through play. Becoming a confident learner is intrinsic for overall child development. If a child does not possess self confidence they will not strive to learn concepts that are challenging. Land art is a beautiful culmination of play and perseverance - natural materials can be tricky to use!
I hope you enjoy this site and have some wonderful land art lessons with your students - Francesca Lamond
So why is land art an important part of a child’s holistic education and development?
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a national curriculum that all early childhood educators follow. It recognises that early childhood is a vital period in a child’s developmental journey and that play based learning is an intrinsic part of a child’s holistic development. ”All children have the best start in life to create a better future for themselves and for the nation” (EYLF p5).
Discovering land art with children is a wonderful opportunity to teach children to appreciate the delicacy and beauty of our natural world, the world they will inherit. Land art in early childhood is all about feeling new textures, creating something unique, exploring the world and having fun. It is learning through play and discovery. It aims to help children create a positive self identity and self confidence. The EYLF notes that in Australia we are incredibly lucky to have access to a huge variety of outdoor environments. “These spaces invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education.” (EYLF p 16)
Central to the EYLF are five learning outcomes:
Children have a strong sense of identity
Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Children are confident and involved learners
Children are effective communicators
In my lesson plans I will be focusing on learning outcomes 1, 2 & 4, though of course the aim should always be to incorporate all five learning outcomes in all lessons and interactions with children.
Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity - Art is an excellent tool for developing a child's individual identity. Children must be encouraged to create art that is unique and personal, an artwork that means something to them. This must be given unconditional support and encouragement by the educator
Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world - Land art offers children an excellent opportunity to learn about the natural environment around them, develop a love and respect for nature and open up to discussions about mans impact on the natural world. Children should be encouraged to show concern for both their natural environment and the other people in the world.
Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners - Through good support and role models children naturally develop their sense of wonder and curiosity. In early childhood this is best achieved through 'free play' in which the child discovers the world through play. Becoming a confident learner is intrinsic for overall child development. If a child does not possess self confidence they will not strive to learn concepts that are challenging. Land art is a beautiful culmination of play and perseverance - natural materials can be tricky to use!
I hope you enjoy this site and have some wonderful land art lessons with your students - Francesca Lamond