The art of wellbeing program

Learning activities

Students will bushwalk through the Field of Mars Reserve while undertaking a series of wellbeing and creative art activities. They will participate in immersive  nature connection wellbeing activities inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing. Students will undertake a variety of art making opportunities inspired by nature looking at the elements of line and pattern.

Inquiry questions

• What are the natural features of this area?
  
• What are the external features of living things?
• How can I take action to enhance my own wellbeing 

Fieldwork

Visual art 
The focus of the bushwalk is to explore different places within the natural environment as inspiration for art making. Students will experiment with media such as drawing, water colour painting and print making.

Activities on the walk will facilitate close examination of nature to encourage awe and wonder of the living world and discover how these patterns, shapes and textures can be used in the art making process. This is a unique opportunity for students to make art works while out in the natural environment. 

Wellbeing in nature - Forest bathing 
There is a growing body of evidence that shows that spending time in nature contributes to our sense of wellbeing. Japanese Forest Bathing is a wellness practice that involves mindfulness in nature as a way of promoting mental wellbeing and reducing stress. Noticing and slowing down helps promote a sense of calm.

The mindful techniques used on the day provide practical tools for students to actively maintain their personal wellbeing back in their own school setting. Get students out into nature and give them hands-on experience!