Our first nature programme after Covid-19 lockdown

Our Nature Programme is well and truly an embedded part of our kindergarten programme since starting back in July 2011.  This year has been a bit different with the global pandemic Covid-19 putting our nature programme on hold indefinitely. 

As our nature programme has been going for many years it is something that our children look forward to as they patiently wait for their turn.  For many of our tamariki they have heard all the stories about the nature programme from the older friends and/or older siblings.  It is something that is greatly anticipated.  With all the Covid-19 restrictions that have been in place over the past few months, we started to think that some of our children may miss out on the valuable experience that the nature programme offers.

“If we really want children to thrive we need to let their connection to nature nurture them.” Claire Warden

It is a privilege to take our children to Mair Park, it is such a beautiful piece of nature so close to our kindergarten.  When we are there it feels wonderful to be surrounded by our native ngahere, to take the time to listen, observe, noticing and responding to changes in the environment.  Our tamariki develop into wonderful kaitiaki (guardians).  Over their time on the nature programme it is amazing to see how they gain knowledge and an ongoing love of nature and all living things.

Research has shown that empathy with and love of nature grows out of children’s regular contact with the natural world. (Department of Conservation, 2011)

On Friday 5^th June 2020 we were super excited as it was our first nature programme in nearly three months, since going into lockdown.  We had ten excited, enthusiastic and maybe a little nervous tamariki as we ventured off into Mair Park.

Our first stop was at a large open grass area appropriately named ‘the meadow’.  As soon as we arrived at the meadow we all had some morning tea.  Then we went exploring the rock wall, it was tricky to climb as the rocks were wet and covered in moss.  At the meadow the grass was long and wet which seemed to create a fun opportunity to run and slide over, roll and lie down on.  I could hear laughing and squeals of delight through this discovery.

A couple of the children were keen to move onto another area, however there were a couple that wanted to stay at the meadow.  So we had a vote, the majority rules and moving to the ‘Magic Tree’ won with eight votes.  We put on our bags and walked to an area with a beautiful massive Puriri tree, aptly named the ‘Magic Tree’.  

The Magic Tree is a lovely place to discover rocks of all sizes, to climb on, or slide on.  We found some beautiful leaves and sticks to paint to leave around the Magic Tree.  We went on a bug hunt and found lots of different types of fungi and some beautiful spider webs, which were amazing to look at.  Mair Park is a vast area with many areas to explore and I love how after all these years I still make new discoveries. 

Hands-on, informal, self-initiated exploration and discovery in local, familiar environments are often described as the best ways to engage and inspire children and cultivate a sense of wonder.  (Department of Conservation, 2011)

I am passionate about our nature programme and feel privileged to be part of it.  It is even more special to finally be back after such a big amount of time away due to Covid-19 restrictions.  I’m so happy that our children didn’t completely miss out on the opportunity to experience the nature programme.   There are just so many benefits for our children, when they connect with nature.  The Department of Conservation states that many studies show the positive links between direct experiences in nature and children’s mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being.  The studies show that regular direct access to nature can; increase self esteem and resilience against stress and adversity.  Improve concentration, learning, creativity, cognitive development, cooperation, flexibility and self-awareness. (Department of Conservation, 2011). 

Mā te wā

Susie

“Time in nature is not leisure time; it’s an essential investment in our children’s health.”  (Department of Conservation, 2011)