education

Bee-Friendly Spaces

administratorUncategorized

We just hit ‘send’ on a wonderful project – a bee friendly space. It’s not our first, and thankfully with the growing awareness of the threat posed by bee extinction, it certainly won’t be our last. Designing bee-friendly spaces are the type of projects that we absolutely love here at Orterra because it’s a chance to collaborate with incredible people such as apiarists as we work towards thriving bee populations across Australia. Bees are essential – full stop! Bees are critically important, no doubt about it. We know that from a biodiversity and ecological perspective that bees play a vital […]

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Play Matters – The Impact of Landscapes on Play

debbieEducation, Nature Play

The garden at Coombe in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, once the home of Dame Nellie Melba, is 7+ acres of incredible gardens, including a hedge with a tunnel to a secret garden, where reportedly Dame Nellie’s grandchild loved to play. Wouldn’t that be an incredible childhood memory? Studies over generations have shown the benefits that play of all forms brings to children. We know that outdoor play in particular supports physical activity, a love of nature, language development, creativity, problem solving skills and negotiation. It supports imagination, self-expression and impulse-control. You just have to quietly observe a group of kindergarten children […]

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Four Things to Look for in an Outdoor Classroom

debbieEducation, Nature Play

What makes a good place for an outdoor classroom? What do you need to make it successful? Below we talk through 4 things to look for when you are considering spaces to your as outdoor classrooms. They are important factors that when combined create some amazing environments for students to learn. Location As the saying goes “location, location, location”. This is the same for teaching spaces. Does the area have good access so all students can get there? Is the area right next to another class indoors? Does this area echo and is it going to cause disruption to other […]

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Teaching Outdoors Made Easier With These 5 Items Under $100

debbieEducation, Nature Play

Here at Orterra, we are massive advocates for teaching outdoors. The benefits of teaching outdoors are amazing for children. Here, we will give a brief discussion of some of the benefits of teaching outside. While looking at 5 items under $100 that might make things easier for you.   The Benefits Of Teaching Outdoors   There are strong links between spending time outdoors and personal health. Children that are taught outdoors have increased academic performance, attention spans, engagement, and enthusiasm during classes. It builds on their sensory stimulation, social skills, movement, physical activity, teamwork, and confidence. All while growing their […]

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