"Mud, Movement, and Magic: Sensory integration in outdoor play” with Cath Fitzhardinge.
When we think about outdoor play in early childhood, we often focus on the physical and social benefits for children. But take a moment to also consider how outdoor play might feel for a child: the warmth of the sun on their back, their knees buried deep in the scratchy sand, the cool water trickling through their fingers, and the smell of the nearby blooming bottlebrush, alive with the sound of buzzing bees and birds. We are all sensory beings. Engaging our senses in varied and meaningful ways is how we connect with, understand, and learn from our environment and our community.
Join Occupational Therapist, Cath Fitzhardinge as she explores the multi-sensory benefits of outdoor play, and how these everyday experiences can support children’s sensory processing, emotional regulation, and development. Cath will also share the results of her Master of Philosophy research project, where she uncovers the hidden benefits of an intentionally designed nature play space for children aged 4-8 years. Using an innovative play behaviour mapping protocol, along with interviews with educators and designers, this research combined the professional perspectives of occupational therapy, education, and design. The result is a unique, multidisciplinary exploration of how outdoor play spaces can be thoughtfully designed and utilised effectively to support child development within early childhood and primary school settings.
Date: Tuesday 10th March 2026
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Cost: Play Australia Members $44.00 - Non Play Australia Members $88.00