Hikoi to Mairpark

This morning we all went on a hikoi and picnic to Mairpark. We had loads of support from Whanau which is fantastic, as we really can’t manage trips without your help (thank you!). We left Kindergarten at 9.30am with our trolley loaded with clipboards, paper, pens and magnifying lenses, and returned tired but happy just after midday.

One of the aims of this trip today was to familiarise ourselves, our children and families with what will become our new learning environment from mid-term 2. At this stage we are planning to take small groups of 12 of our eldest children, once a week into Mairpark for nature education.


                                              

                                                                                                               Excitement

 Today gave us all a wonderful opportunity to investigate the natural environment around us. Learning as a group outdoors is fun, in this environment learning happens naturally.

 "Exposure to natural environments improves children's cognitive development by improving their awareness, reasoning and observational skills" (Pyle 2002)                                              

              

  

 Promoting Close Observation

    Exploring

Wonder

 "Early experiences with the natural world have been positively linked with the development of imagination and the sense of wonder" (Cobb 1977, Louv 1991). "Wonder is an important motivator for life long learning" (Wilson 1997).

                      

Researching, Finding

Discovering



Mairpark provides us with a range of trees and plants to investigate, space for exploration and adventure, rotting wood for discovering mini-beasts and trunks to climb on to extend physical skills and confidence.

Christine