A worldwide movement to get kids outdoors and into nature has prompted Frogtastic Kindergarten to open its doors to the public for International Mud Day.
The centre recently received accreditation as a Queensland Nature Play education provider.
Kindergarten teacher Kristy Ramsay said incorporating nature in to their everyday program was a focus for Frogtastic.
“We’ve been on a journey since the start of the year to get recognised,” Ms Ramsay said.
“We believe in kids being kids and engaging with the natural environment.
“You have to include natural materials and get the kids outdoors to be approved.”
She said the children participated in excursions twice a week to bushland and the beach where they learn about the environment and the local Indigenous language.
“We’re keeping them out in the community and showing them it’s not just about going for a walk or going for a swim.”
The Frogtastic International Mud Day event will be held from 3pm on Tuesday, 25 June and Ms Ramsay said everyone was welcome.
“Our centre will be open for everyone to come through and have a look.”
However she said not to wear your Sunday best to the event which was all about celebrating the outdoors.
“Get messy – that’s the key!
“We’ll have a whole variety of activities in the outdoors area. Mud, water, you name it, it’s out there.”
In addition to mud based activities and a homemade mud slide Ms Ramsay said they would be reading Wombat Stew and children could play at a nature table and a clay table.
The centre will also provide a sausage sizzle from 5pm.
International Mud Day
Ms Ramsay and other Frogtastic staff attend the world forum for childhood educators as often as possible having attended in both Hawaii and New Zealand.
She said International Mud Day, which this year is officially celebrated on 29 June, was created at a world forum in 2009 by early childhood educators from Australia and Nepal.
“The aim is to try and get kids outdoors and off their devices.”
Frogtastic focus on nature play and inclusivity
In addition to being recognised as a nature play facility Ms Ramsay said Frogtastic had recently been identified as an inclusive centre.
“We cater for all children of all backgrounds.”
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