What’s In My Backyard?

Pre-School and Day Care Education Programs:

Curriculum-aligned programs for Early Stage 1 learners

At The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, we believe in fostering a love for wildlife and the environment from a young age. Our preschool programs provide an engaging, hands-on learning experience where children can explore the wonders of Australian native wildlife in a safe and interactive setting. Through play-based activities, they develop an early appreciation for nature while learning how to respect and care for the environment around them. Safety is a key focus, teaching children how to observe wildlife responsibly and understand potential dangers in nature. By nurturing curiosity and connection, we inspire the next generation to grow up with a deep respect for Australia’s unique flora and fauna.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of planning with our NEW Education Programs! These programs are carefully designed to align with the NSW Syllabus and Australian Curriculum, making it easier than ever for teachers to meet key learning outcomes.

Our goal? To help schools and teachers deliver impactful lessons in a hands-on, immersive environment where students thrive and our natural world benefits. Let us make your job easier and learning unforgettable!

What’s in My Backyard?

Programs:

Look Up

Objective:
Children will explore the world above them, learning about native birds and flying insects in Northern NSW. They will develop observation skills and an appreciation for the role these creatures play in the environment.

Activities:

  • Bird Watching: Use binoculars (or make pretend ones) to observe birds in trees. Discuss different colors, sizes, and behaviors.

  • Bird Call Activity: Listen to recordings of local bird calls and try to mimic them. Learn how birds use sound to communicate.

  • Craft Bird Masks: Children create bird masks using feathers, paper, and paint, learning about different beak and feather shapes.

  • Insect Discovery: Observe butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. Discuss pollination and the importance of insects in nature.

  • Safety Talk: Discuss safe behavior around birds and insects (e.g., not disturbing nests, moving calmly around bees).

Curriculum Links:

  • Science & Technology: Observing living things and their needs (STe-3LW-ST)

  • Creative Arts: Making and appreciating artwork using various techniques (CAES1.1)

  • Personal Development, Health & Physical Education (PDHPE): Recognizing safe and unsafe situations (PDe-2)

Look Down

Objective:
Children will explore the small creatures that live on the ground, from ants to worms, and learn how to interact with them safely.

Activities:

  • Nature Walk: Look for ants, beetles, worms, and other small creatures. Use magnifying glasses to observe details.

  • Bug Touch Activity: Meet non-harmful bugs (e.g., woodlice, worms) in a sensory exploration.

  • Craft Paper Plate Ladybugs: Use paper plates and paint to make ladybugs, discussing their role in gardens.

  • Storytime: Read a story about helpful bugs, like "Mad About Minibeasts."

  • Safety Talk: Learn how to stay safe around bugs (e.g., not touching unknown insects, recognizing signs of a sting).

Curriculum Links:

  • Science & Technology: Observing and describing needs of living things (STe-3LW-ST)

  • English: Engaging with familiar stories and recounting experiences (ENe-10C)

  • PDHPE: Identifying actions that keep us safe (PDe-2)

Look All Around

Objective:
Children will learn to observe their entire environment, noticing patterns, colours, and the interactions between different plants and animals.

Activities:

  • 360° Nature Observation: Sit in a circle and describe what they see, hear, and smell.

  • Colour Hunt: Find and match natural objects with color swatches.

  • Mural Craft: Create a large collaborative mural featuring local wildlife.

  • Wildlife Bingo: Play a game spotting different plants, birds, and bugs.

  • Safety Talk: Discuss how all parts of nature connect and why we need to respect them.

Curriculum Links:

  • Science & Technology: Recognizing patterns in the environment (STe-3LW-ST)

  • Mathematics: Sorting and classifying objects by attributes (MAe-1WM)

  • Creative Arts: Expressing ideas through visual representations (VAES1.1)

Look Out!

Objective:
Children will learn about potential dangers in nature and how to stay safe while exploring the outdoors.

Activities:

  • Danger Signs Activity: Identify real-life warning signs (e.g., "Beware of snakes") and discuss their meanings.

  • Role-Playing Dangerous Encounters: Practice safe reactions to situations like seeing a snake or a wasp nest.

  • Craft Safety Posters: Create posters with messages about staying safe around wildlife.

  • Interactive Game: Play a movement-based game that reinforces safe behaviors (e.g., "Freeze" when spotting danger).

Curriculum Links:

  • PDHPE: Understanding safe and unsafe situations (PDe-2)

  • English: Understanding visual and written texts (ENe-10C)

  • Science & Technology: Recognizing features of living things and their habitats (STe-3LW-ST)

Education Enquiry

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Promote Curiosity

At The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, our education programs are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deep interest in the natural world. Through interactive and hands-on activities, we encourage students to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and think critically about the environment and its inhabitants.

Our programs are built on an inquiry-based approach that challenges students to investigate how things work and understand the intricate relationships within ecosystems. By immersing them in real-world scenarios and engaging them with live demonstrations and practical experiences, we create a dynamic learning environment that inspires a lifelong fascination with nature and a commitment to its preservation.

Expand Knowlege

At The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, our education programs are designed to significantly expand students' knowledge of the natural world and our role within it. Through a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the NSW Syllabus and Australian Curriculum, we provide students with a deep understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation principles.

Our programs offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, allowing students to see firsthand how natural systems function and how humans can positively impact these systems. By engaging with our expert educators and participating in hands-on activities, students not only learn about wildlife and their habitats but also develop critical thinking skills and a greater awareness of sustainable practices.

Promotes Conservation

At The Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, our education programs are dedicated to promoting conservation values and expanding students' understanding of sustainable practices and human impacts on nature. Through immersive, hands-on learning experiences, we educate students about the importance of preserving our natural world and the critical role each individual plays in this effort.

Our programs emphasise the principles of conservation by exploring the delicate balance of ecosystems and the ways in which human activities can both harm and protect these environments. We provide students with the knowledge and tools to recognize and mitigate negative impacts, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet.