About ORIGINS
The ultimate goal of The ORIGINS Project is to reduce the rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases through 'a healthy start to life'.
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The ultimate goal of The ORIGINS Project is to reduce the rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases through 'a healthy start to life'.
As well as ORIGINS long-term core research, there are a number of clinical trials, early interventions and shorter-term research studies that sit within ORIGINS. Known as sub-projects, these studies look at multiple aspects of child and family health and development.
The ORIGINS Project provides researchers, students, clinicians and universities with a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in changing the health of future generations.
Helping families to unlock the mental and physical health benefits of connecting with nature and community through outdoor play - easily, and locally.
There is strong evidence that time in nature is associated with better child health including physical activity, eating behaviours, sleep quality and all aspects of physical and mental well-being.
The Nature Play & Grow study aims to address the concerning trend for unhealthy behaviours in young children, which can contribute to long-term lifestyle habits.
There has been a significant shift from active, outdoor nature-based activities to more passive screen-based indoor activities — with an associated rise in psychological disorders, chronic disease, and a disconnect from the natural environment.
What is Nature Play & Grow?
The Nature Play & Grow early intervention pilot program is now complete, though we hope to offer the full program in the future.
Watch the project's feature on Channel 7 News and read the evaluation report here
The pilot study aimed to promote connectedness to nature, healthy eating, physical activity, and emotional well-being in young children.
What does participation involve?
The eight-week program, completed in August 2022, consisted of two main components:
Participants were also asked to complete an online questionnaire prior to the beginning of the program and at the end of the eight-week program. Additional follow-ups will be conducted at six and 12 months following the completion of the program.
There are no costs to the participant for involvement in the project.
What are the possible benefits of participating?
By participating in this project, we are expecting to see an increase in nature-connectedness for both parent and child which may result in positive changes in the key areas of nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and behavioural development.
A collaboration
This pilot project is a sub-project of The ORIGINS Project and is being conducted in collaboration with the Telethon Kids Institute and Nature Play WA.
Further Information
Download the Nature Play & Grow Participant Information Brochure here
phone: 08 6319 1405
email: originsnatureplay@telethonkids.org.au
Date |
Park |
Topic |
Online modules |
Outdoor group experiences |
Guest speakers |
Week 1
|
Central Park
|
Every child can thrive by five |
Benefits of outdoor nature-based activities Physical growth patterns and the importance of being active and Guidelines for Healthy Growth and Development (24 hr movement guidelines) Sobel’s play themes (Adventure; Maps and pathways; Small worlds) |
Establish community and routines Create a boat Adventure walk |
TED Talk Molly Wright
|
Week 2
|
Neil Hawkins Park |
Importance of children being active for overall health and wellbeing |
Zamani’s research about what children like to do in outdoor play Movement through play and in nature Physical development and developmental milestones Introduce safety sense and hazard vs risk |
Blow bubbles Balls and running games Sensory Walk to the boardwalk |
Assoc Prof Hayley Christian: PLAY Spaces and Environment for Children’s Physical Activity, Health and Development program, researcher Telethon Kids Institute |
Week 3
|
Picnic Cove Park |
Importance of healthy eating and building immunity and good gut health by playing outside |
Benefits of open-ended sensory and messy play opportunities – e.g., sand Gradual release of responsibility Norodahl & Einarsdottir’s research about what children like in outdoor play Risk assessment and safety sense |
Mud play Water play and Nature Obstacle course Rainbow fruit kebabs |
Prof Desiree Silva: co-director of The ORIGINS Project. Professor of paediatrics University of Western Australia and Joondalup Health Campus |
Week 4
|
Sir James McCusker Park |
Developing a growth mindset and other positive dispositions for learning |
Growth vs Fixed mindset Sobel’s play themes (Hunting and gathering; Special places; Fantasy and imagination) Aminpour’s research about landscape variety for play opportunities |
Choose your own adventure walk and exploration Wand-making Cubbies and dramatic play |
Dr Fiona Boylan: Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies Edith Cowan University |
Week 5
|
Covent Park |
Healthy eating and developing an adventurous attitude towards play and movement |
Movement challenges Sandseter’s research about the six categories of risky play Risk assessment and Safety sense |
Adventure play on playground Movement challenges Cheese, guacamole and salad pita pockets or sandwiches |
Dr Amelia Harray: Accredited Practising Dietician and Nutritionist and Senior Research Fellow Children’s Diabetes Centre, Telethon Kids Institute |
Week 6
|
Central Park 2
|
Outdoor environments as settings for imaginative play and managing self |
Sobel’s play themes (Animal Allies) Imaginative play in nature Positive dispositions for learning Executive function – self-control, mental flexibility, working memory |
Potion Making Dramatise a version of Going on a Bear Hunt Teddybear Picnic Singalong |
Griffin Longley: CEO of Nature Play WA |
Week 7
|
Picnic Cove Park 2 |
Play as a vehicle for children to develop their own strengths, interests and social skills |
Parten’s Stages of play - solitary, onlooker, parallel, associative, and cooperative play Play Schema - transporting trajectory and rotating Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences - nature, body, picture, music, word, logic, people, self |
Bikes, scooters, and balance bikes Sandcastles and sand play Hot chocolate and damper |
Griffin Longley: CEO of Nature Play WA |
Week 8
|
Rotary Park Scenic Drive |
The benefits of outdoor play for strengthening health and wellbeing. What sort of childhood do you want for your child?
|
Being three years old UN Rights of the Child (unstructured child-led play) What to say instead of “Be careful!” |
Group singing, dancing, games Explore playground Sensory play and make a nest with herb salt dough |
Griffin Longley: CEO of Nature Play WA |