Educated by Nature

About Educated by Nature
Educated by Nature is a small team of passionate nature educators: teachers and playworkers who assist children, parents and teachers develop connections and learn within nature.

Educated by Nature was established in 2015 by Daniel Burton and Trudi Bennett, qualified teachers specialising in outdoor classrooms. Their knowledge base has formed over many years through additional professional development, study tours and participation and presentation at various conferences. Emphasis is placed on engagement with current research, networks and mentoring relationships within Australia and internationally.

At Educated by Nature, staff participate fully in play by modelling sensory risk taking, wondering, adventuring, building and encouraging nature awareness. Programs combine freedom for children to live by their instinctive behaviour, with empathy and understanding for nature and each other. Educated by Nature believes this combination assists children to grow resilience through nature connection.

Educated by Nature currently offers programs through two main branches: Mud Pies Grove for early childhood aged children and Kids in Nature (KIN) Village for primary school aged children. Through these programs Educated by Nature aims to increase the mental, emotional and physical health of children and in doing so, foster a deep love for the natural environment.

About Daniel and Trudi
Trudi Bennett and Daniel Burton are the Co-Directors of Educated by Nature.

Trudi grew up finding both solace and adventure in her backyard and local bushland. She studied both Sustainable Development and Education and has worked with a variety of organisations in science communication, community development and the arts. Recently Trudi has been a primary school and kitchen garden teacher at Bold Park Community School in Western Australia. It was here she practiced observing and listening to children to identify their needs and established project-based learning opportunities. While there she also began utilising natural resources and spaces for environmental art and social connection.
As a result, Trudi became increasingly passionate about teaching children in the outdoors. She continues to explore and observe how the building of cubby villages provides a way for children to grow independence and a sense of ownership, while working together as a community. Her interests, training and experience have set a firm foundation for her role at Educated by Nature.

Daniel is a qualified primary school teacher and passionate nature connection mentor. He considers himself an advocate for connecting children with the natural world, following children’s inbuilt sense of wonder and curiosity as the vehicle to inspire the process of inquiry based learning. Having worked at Bold Park Community School for 10 years he has had experience developing, managing and coordinating outdoor classrooms and Wild Spaces with various age groups. Daniel has had the privilege of participating in conferences focused on nature-based education and 21st century teaching philosophies both locally and internationally.
At Educated by Nature, staff participate fully in play by modelling sensory risk taking, wondering, adventuring, building and encouraging nature awareness. Programs combine freedom for children to live by their instinctive behaviour, with empathy and understanding for nature and each other. Educated by Nature believes this combination assists children to grow resilience through nature connection.