OUR CENTRE

Mission statement reflects an understanding of the importance nature plays in our childrens’ learning and development during the first few years of their lives. Research shows “Nature play” supports overall development and wellbeing of children. First, nature is relaxing! Just being in natural environments releases the ‘happy hormone’, serotonin, which balances out the ‘stress hormone’. Second, playing in nature builds language skills in children by strengthening the neuron pathways for complex thought. Nature’s ability to offer ‘BIG’ spaces where we can express ‘BIG’ emotions is what children need today; (ie coping with anxiety, depression, fear, anger etc., due to unprecedented times/COVID). — Nature can and will absorb them. Other notable references to nature include being away from city/urban pollutants improves memory, focus, and self-regulation. Along with these specific developments in the brain, studies show that nature builds our social brains by lighting up the areas associated with empathy and caring. It’s clear, playing in nature, builds stronger, healthier bodies AND happy brains Through the integration of all our sensory processing skills.