THE TEAM
We are passionate locals that put our heart into everything we do. We wish to share our expertise to make a positive impact in our communities and the wider world.
We want to give children back the childhood that is missing in todays society. Some of us can recall a time when every afternoon after school and all weekend we would head outdoors and spend endless hours immersed in free play. Our imaginations ran wild as we created and constructed, making potions with leaves, petals and seedpods, making cubby houses with sticks and logs and rocks. We took on pretend roles, we collaborated with our fellow friends and created games. We set off on journeys exploring creeks and hills and bushland and discovering wildlife along the way. We climbed trees, we rode push bikes, we rolled down hills, we just had fun and pure delight. It is this joy from real meaningful play the reason why we can recall these happy memories with elation. These memories are what we cherish, its what warms our heart, its how we learnt, how we grew. We want to give families an opportunity to give children life experiences like they had as a young child.
WHO WE ARE
Cottonwood Learning was created by Bec, a Currumbin local, mum of two confident, independent children, and a passionate advocate for children's free play in nature.
With a background in teaching, predominantly in early childhood education, Bec has spent many years working in rural, community-based not-for-profit services where nature was central to everyday practice. Alongside working with children, she has also taught and mentored educators through TAFE, university, Nature Play QLD and now Bush Kindy Australia, supporting others to grow their confidence and capability in nature pedagogy.
Bec holds a Bachelor of Teaching and has undertaken extensive professional learning in nature-based education, including Forest School Leader Level 3, Bush Kindy Leader training, and advanced study in nature pedagogy.
At the heart of Bec's philosophy is a simple belief: that nature is an essential ingredient for children's healthy development, wellbeing and lifelong connection to the world around them. It is this belief that continues to inspire her to create meaningful opportunities for children and families to slow down, connect with nature, and connect with one another.
THE NAME
The Cottonwood tree also known as Hibiscus tiliaceus, is native to coastal areas of Australia, grown readily in south east Queensland. It has large rich maroon-green foliage and bright yellow (occasionally coral) flowers.
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Symbolically it has many aspects of significance, the tree is a sign of growth, just as children are in a rapid developmental stage of growth and thriving. The trunk is sturdy, with bark with incredible strength, used traditionally by Indigenous people to weave the bark strips to make rope for fish traps and nets. The flowers are edible, the leaves are used in cooking and the sap used for medicinal purposes. The leaves are shaped in a heart representing love and care.
