Book chapter
Listening with Children in Nature: Witnessing Aesthetic Encounters and the Relational Building of Meaning
The Importance of Aesthetic Development in Early Childhood: Research, Theory and Practice, pp.25-47
Routledge
2026
Abstract
It is understood that our ecological identities are driven by a sense of wonder and delight towards the Earth by a connection to beauty and place, a love of the environment, and a concern for its well-being. Yet little time is given to supporting children's ecological relationships, or to valuing their aesthetic, emotional, sensory, and embodied engagement and encounters with nature. What happens when time is offered, and when adults step back and listen to the Meanings children are building? This chapter draws on findings from a participatory research project focused on listening to young children during their encounters in a botanical garden. Benefiting from opportunities to slow, settle and connect with place, children shared their developed capacities as meaning-makers. Using drawing, storytelling, and photography, children revealed their aesthetic sensibilities, and their sensory attentiveness. Children's created and captured images highlight their sensitive listening and noticing, their sense of wonder, openness, and curiosity, and their appreciation of beauty. This research highlights that children are indeed meaning-makers who are seeking to interact with nature and its creatures and who value agency and freedom to take the lead and follow their interests, curiosities, and imaginations. It highlights that companioning “listening” adults and peers make a difference and support the relational building of meaning.
Details
- Title
- Listening with Children in Nature: Witnessing Aesthetic Encounters and the Relational Building of Meaning
- Authors
- Ali Black - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Contributors
- Georgina Barton (Editor) - University of Southern QueenslandVicki Christopher (Editor) - University of Southern QueenslandSusanne Garvis (Editor) - Griffith University
- Publication details
- The Importance of Aesthetic Development in Early Childhood: Research, Theory and Practice, pp.25-47
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.4324/9781003626701-3; 10.4324/9781003626701
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991202950702621
- Output Type
- Book chapter
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