Refer to the attached assignment requirements doc.
Etext book to refer below: (Only few chapters available, see if you can find the full book to refer if needed) this:https://www.naturallearning.net.au/uploads/6/9/3/6/69366275/children_in_wild_nature.pdf
Unit: Nature Pedagogy (Early Childhood Education) Assessment 1: Reflection Word/time limit: 300 words (+/- 10%) – Excluding paragraph 1 Individual/Team: Individual Do not use AI generated content, AI detection is strict. eTexts: Buchan, N. (2015). Children in wild nature. A practical guide to nature-based practice. Teaching solutions. Knight, S. (2013). Risk and Adventure in Early Years Outdoor Play. Learning from Forest Schools. SAGE Publications. This assessment is for an early childhood degree program, Answer should suit 0–6-year-old child group. (Not older than that) The purpose of this task is to reflect more broadly on the learning experiences afforded by nature, and how these experiences can be leveraged and supported. This assessment supports unit learning outcomes K2, S1 below: · Articulate the role and value of nature pedagogy as a curriculum approach. · Analyse and critically reflect on nature pedagogy approaches. Assignment Part 1: : (Being in nature) The following activity is to be conducted in nature, i.e. your backyard, local park, oval, beach, etc. This activity's goal is for you to connect with outdoor spaces and begin to consider the outdoors as another classroom. This should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will need: · a sketchbook or paper · a pencil or pen. Task Step 1: Find a place where you can be immersed in nature. Pay attention to your senses, the wind, sound, and the feel of the earth under your feet. Be mindful of your surroundings. What is available to your senses now? Do you notice colour, textures, feelings, sound, light and shadow, patterns and contrasts? Step 2: Write down your feelings about being in nature. Take out a sketchbook—you may like to sketch a few things. What are you noticing or attracted to? Why was that item or object important? Why were you attracted to it? Assignment Part 2: The aim of this discussion is to give you the chance to share your experience from the above Activity: Being in nature. This should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Task Step 1: Review your notes from the above Part 1 Activity: Being in nature. Step 2: Write your responses to the following questions. Questions: 1. How did you feel when you were in nature? Describe your surroundings. Try to paint a picture for your peers. 2. Now consider other types of activities you participate in during specific seasons? E.g. Snow skiing, hiking/bush walking, picnics in summer, etc. Share what you learnt about nature from these recollections. Assignment Part 3: This is the most important part of the assessment, that require academic writing. Answer the following questions in no more than 300 words: · Do these types of activities provide suitable learning experiences for young children? · How might an adult role enhance learning? This assessment should use the information, ideas on your answer from Assignment Part 2 above. Ensure you include at least one reference from your eText(Refer to the books mentioned at the beginning of this doc) and at least one reference from your additional readings. Note: the reference list is not included in the word count. Assignment format: Assignment should contain two simple paragraphs: Paragraph 1: Answers to the Questions 1 and 2 from the Assignment Part 2: above. (Word count not counted) Paragraph 2: Content of the Assignment Part 3: above (Word count 300) Example for Paragraph 1: For this task I chose to go for a walk on a local beach called Shack Bay as I have always been drawn to coastal environments. I chose this spot despite the fact that the winter weather has been particularly harsh this week, and the wind coming off the water felt icy cold. When walking on the beach I always take my shoes off to feel the grittiness of the sand, I think it has a massaging effect on my feet that I find calming. I could smell the salt air which I always find refreshing, and I listened to the crashing sound of the waves. My eyes were drawn to the waves and movement of the ocean, but also to the jagged rocky cliffs as I think the cliffs at this particular beach are also very beautiful. Being winter and a cold day, I didn’t see many other people, only a couple of dog walkers. My walk made me feel relaxed and calm, but also quite invigorated as the cold wind really woke me up. I never regret making time to spend in nature as I always feel energised and more productive afterwards. I am sure that for children too, time spent in nature has an immensely positive impact upon their learning, and I really worry about the impact that a sedentary indoor lifestyle could be having on some children. My beach walk made me look forward to summer so that I can bring my older children back to the beach to go snorkelling, an activity that has taught them so much about local sea life and has given them so much respect and love for nature. My youngest son will spend time exploring the rock pools, building sand castles and drawing in the sand, I think children can learn across all areas of the curriculum whilst spending time at the beach. Another example for Paragraph 1: When I walk along the water's edge with the waves touching my ankles, I feel peaceful and joyous. The beauty of the beach, with its golden sun covering me in a warm glow and the sparkling water inviting me to plunge in, creates a happy atmosphere. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the scent of the salty sea air enhance my connection to nature, making me feel grounded and serene. Seasonal Activities: Winter: Skiing has taught me the importance of preparation; if you don't fully dry your hair, it can freeze in the cold. The crisp air and snowy landscapes also highlight the beauty and harshness of winter. Summer: Hiking and bushwalking require vigilance for sunning snakes and staying hydrated. This season emphasizes the vitality and sometimes the dangers of nature. Spring: Picnics in the botanic gardens are perfect as flowers bloom, showcasing nature's renewal and the balance of temperatures. Autumn: Walking through streets lined with trees changing colors and shedding leaves underscores the cyclical nature of the seasons and the transient beauty of life. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for nature's varied expressions and taught valuable lessons about adaptability, respect for the environment, and the interconnectedness of all life. Assessment criteria 1. Understanding of personal/cultural experiences of seasons. 2. Linking personal experiences of being in nature and its impact on their understanding and knowledge. 3. Articulation of how young children learn basic concepts in nature. 4. Reflection. 5. Conventions. Your work will be assessed using the following marking guide: