Welcome to Wildwood bush school - where children get to engage all their senses in their learning experience and develop a healthy relationship with the natural world.

Weekly 'Story Time' gatherings are the perfect way for children to explore the themes presented in literature in their own natural surrounds. Children (and parents) will also get to make new friends and discover new natural areas around Warrnambool.

Each week a story will be read in a different park or reserve around Warrnambool, followed by guided activities for the children to explore the topic of the book: Please see the calendar for for more information

October 16th (Warrnambool Botanic Gardens): This week our story will be about spring and the children will have the opportunity to explore the gardens to find a rainbow of colours and tick them off as we go.

October 23rd (Grannies grave): This week we are going camping. After reading a story about a family camping trip we will collect wood to make our own pretend fire and learn how to set up a tent (feel free to bring marshmallows - the kids might love to pretend we are cooking them on a fire)

October 30th (Stingray Bay) This week we will be exploring seaweed (all the colours and textures) and going on a beach treasure hunt. Our story will be all about the South West coast and the importance of looking after our beaches. We might bring bags to collect any rubbish we find on the way. We will create seaweed art on the sand enjoy the beach in whatever weather conditions we experience.

November 6th (Anoana Coastal Homestead): This week is close to the traditional celebration of Beltane (May day in the northern hemisphere). To celebrate we will be reading a story all about the changing seasons in the garden. We will gather this week in an urban permaculture garden where the children will have the chance to paint some pots and plant some seeds (most likely sunflower seeds). There will also be chooks to feed and a garden to explore.

November 13th: (Grannies grave hill). This week we are reading all about flying a kite. I will be assuming the weather will be situation normal and we will have enough wind to carry our kites high in the sky. If there isn't much wind we will also have a yoga facilitator to guide the children through some movement and breathwork exercises.

November 20th: (Tower Hill) This week we are going to venture out to Tower Hill, where we will read all about Koalas before going on a hunt to spot some koalas in the trees. We will also have the chance to collect gumnuts for sensory game at the end. I will make sure I pack the paints, as there is nothing I enjoy more than seeing the kids get creative with bark paintings (all my paints are home made using natural material)

November 27th (FJ Gardens): This week we are going to have a relax in the FJ gardens where parents can enjoy a coffee and the kids will be able to engage in a range of outdoor games such as bean bag throwing. This is more of a social get together :)

December 4th (Anoana Coastal Homestead): This week we will be slightly different as we will have an African drumming teacher with us to teach the children a simple African drumming rhythm.

December 11th (Tozer reserve): This week we are getting close to Xmas. We will read all about Xmas in the bush and then explore a small area of the reserve to collect suitable materials to make ourselves little bush Santas (I will provide all the string, glue and wool).

December 18th: (TBA) This will be our xmas break up gathering. Details to come.

These sessions are well suited for children aged 2 - 5 (however younger siblings are more than welcome to come along too). All materials will be provided by myself and each child will receive a bug journal on their first session to bring along every week.