Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) launched a nature-based playgroup programme earlier this year, which ran from April to June and comprised eight sessions for children aged 2 - 3 years  (36 months or younger) and their parents. This pilot programme took place in both the Lower Farm and Upper Farm areas, featuring eight different nature themes. Alongside storytime sharings, discovery walks, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and sensory-rich explorations, children also had opportunities to interact with KFBG experts such as plant specialists, animal caretakers and farmers, meeting our animal ambassadors and participating in community work.

We received plenty of positive feedback from parents at the end of the programme, for which we are grateful.  For more details about this programme, please click here.

We believe that nature-based learning provides essential physical and cognitive development opportunities for young children. It encourages them to actively explore the environment, develop both gross and fine motor skills, enhance creativity, build emotional resilience and establish a deep connection with the natural world, fostering appreciation and respect for nature.

So, how can nature-based learning become a part of your curriculum? As homeschoolers or educators, how can we effectively support and guide children’s curiosity and natural behaviours? To help you develop this approach, we will be hosting two workshops this September, inviting interested parents and educators to learn how to nurture child-led, outdoor learning experiences that respect their natural interests.

The workshops will include sharing experiences from the previous nature-based playgroup programme at KFBG and discussing topics related to nature-based education:

• Basic introduction to nature-based education and its benefits for child development
• Childhood patterns of play
• Curriculum planning for nature-based play
• Practical activities, facilitation techniques, and strategies
• Appropriate risk assessment and management in nature
• How to support young children with special learning needs

About the Facilitators Rafaella Tung Born and raised in Hong Kong and educated in Australia and the United States, Rafaella is a passionate Reggio Emilia-inspired educator with over 20 years of experience in the early years sector. Believing that children are capable and competent, she guides their learning through a lens of wonder and curiosity. With a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from San Jose State University, she uplifts learners by embracing neurodiversity and recognising the unique strengths each child brings to the learning environment. Rafaella values each voice, trusting she is as much a learner as a teacher, and is dedicated to working collaboratively with educators and parents to inspire discovery and growth through scholarly writing, teaching and workshops.

Dates

Time
10:00am - 11:30am

Venue
Green Hub (Old Tai Po Police Station)

Language
English & Cantonese

Target Audience 
Parents and educators who are interested in early childhood nature-based learning

Capacity
Maximum 30 participants for each session

Fee
HK$100 per person
*Each participant will receive a free admission ticket to KFBG.

Application

• Please CLICK HERE to submit your online application on or before 24 August 2025. 
• To select suitable candidates, applications will undergo a brief screening process. 
• Participants will receive a confirmation email two weeks before the workshop, along with payment details.

Notes
Payment is not refundable after acceptance, unless the programme is cancelled due to inclement weather or under-enrolment.

Enquiry
Contact Ms Joanna Li at 2483 7112 during office hours or email joanna.li@kfbg.org.

Related Links

• Kadoorie Earth Programme (KEP) is an initiative co-created by KFBG and its network of collaborators and volunteers. By integrating the various strands of KFBG’s nature conservation, sustainable living and holistic education programmes, it provides life-transforming learning experiences that reconnect people with themselves, each other and the rest of nature and enable them to cultivate resilience in the face of global challenges.

• Nature Art Programmes: Immerse yourself in silent contemplation of nature. Deepen your awareness of beauty and connect with nature through art. KFBG organises a variety of art workshops including Zentangle drawing, sketching and wood art, and exhibitions to guide participants, with or without artistic background, to create nature art.

• Nature Education Programmes: Become animal detectives and explore the mysteries of wild animals. Use different senses to discover the beauty of plants. Learn about the significance of forest, trees and even soils through field visits, experiments and woodwork, to reconnect with nature.

• Group Guided Tours: Led by trained environmental interpreters, the content includes experiential and hands-on activities. We encourage a passion for nature, conservation and ecology by nurturing an appreciation of the natural world.
  
  
• Corporate Programmes: Our Holistic Education Department staff can design either half-day or full-day nature education and art programmes for corporate staff or their family members based on specific needs. Leveraging the unique natural landscape and cultural ambiance of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, our activities may include guided tours, farm-to-table experiences, nature-based workshops, talks and art activities, aiming to promote understanding and practice of sustainable living for organisations.