The Play Observer’s Notebook

About the series

A collaboration with CathFitz OT

Play is at the heart of childhood. Across early learning, OSHC and allied health fields such as occupational therapy, play is understood as a powerful occupation, one that supports children’s learning, wellbeing, identity and connection to the world around them.

Yet in the fast pace of daily routines, supervision demands, transitions and responsibilities, those fleeting but significant moments of discovery can be easy to miss.

The Play Observer’s Notebook is a short, insightful video series created in collaboration with occupational therapist and nature play advocate Cath Fitzhardinge. Together, we slow down, step back and explore outdoor play through a reflective, intentional and curious lens. Built around the principle of “moments, not minutes,” the series shifts our focus from how long children play to the richness, joy and meaning found within the moments themselves.

It is also a reminder that for many children and young people, the outdoor opportunities in our services may be the only meaningful nature-based or self-directed play they experience. This gives educators a powerful role and responsibility in designing environments that invite exploration, risk, comfort, challenge, imagination and belonging.

Why This Series Matters

Outdoor environments are more than places to “burn energy.” They are complex, dynamic learning spaces where children develop independence, movement skills, problem-solving, creativity and social confidence. But without intentional observation, many of these opportunities remain invisible.

By refining our skills as play observers, educators can:

• notice strengths, interests and sensory preferences
• identify gaps in the environment that limit certain types of play
• expand opportunities for children who may have fewer outdoor experiences at home
• support inclusivity and belonging for every child
• strengthen key dispositions such as resilience, persistence, collaboration and curiosity

When we notice the moment, we deepen our understanding of what matters to each child.

What You’ll Explore

Across the series, Cath joins us outdoors as we wander, ponder and share the delight of noticing. These aren’t formal lessons, they’re shared moments of reflection where we pause, smile and say, “Did you see that?” together. 

Each short video unpacks a key idea, including: 

• Moments, not minutes
  Learning to catch the sparks of awe, creativity and inquiry that reveal how children think, feel, solveproblems and connect with others. 
• The 9 types of play within the TOPO
  Exploringin easy-to-understand ways; physical, exploratory, imaginative, expressive, nature-based, rule-based and restorative/quiet play, along with digital play and non-play behaviours. 
• Reflecting together
  Building shared language, professionaldialogue and intentional practice across teams so everyone works toward creating richer, more inclusive play experiences. 

A Resource for Teams, Services and Leaders

Helping educators and caregivers to connect and play with children of all ages and stages, The Play Observer’s Notebook helps you recognise and enhance the play that is already happening right in front of you.

By tuning into children’s cues, strengths and interests and by shaping environments intentionally, educators create outdoor spaces that support every child to thrive. When we observe with purpose, reflect with curiosity and respond with heart, outdoor play becomes a landscape of possibility for children, young people and the adults who walk beside them.