Enviroschools stories Archives - Page 3 of 12

April 3, 2024

Nature Connection Workshop

How often do you take the time to slow down and experience the environment with all your senses? At the beginning of March Marlborough Early Childhood teachers left feeling inspired and excited to plan their next excursion after attending this term's Nature Connection workshop. Following on from the Nature Connection pilot programme last year where our Environmental Education team supported Spring Creek School and Springlands Kindergarten to set up their own Nature Connection programmes, they hosted an introductory workshop. Gathered at Sheps Park, Springlands Kindergarten teachers guided the group through the experience that they offer tamariki when they have their fortnightly visits there. Opening with a karakia, they then followed their process of a “safety check”...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

February 15, 2024

Enviroschools stories General

Mayfield Kindergarten’s Mara Kai

Tānemahuta, Rongomatāne and Tangaroa greet you at the entrance to Mayfield Kindergarten. These Pou represent the Kindergarten’s connection to their environment. The characteristics of these Atua underpin the learning priorities for the tamariki that attend. Kaiako and tamariki tiaki (care for) these atua and their wide spread environment, made up of the native gardens, mara kai, a rocky awa and open spaces. Mara kai has been the focus over the last 6 months for kaiako, tamariki and Joy, their gardener. Joy spends 3 hours a week at Mayfield Kindergarten. During this time she empowers the tamariki to be hands on and involved in the garden. Together they sow seeds, plant seedlings, pull out weeds,...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

January 13, 2024

Enviroschools stories General

Kumara planting at Bohally Intermediate

Students from the KEGs (Kids Edible Gardens) were keen to grow kumara to share with the school at their annual hangi next year. It started a journey of discovery and learning as they prepared kumara to grow tipu in term 3. They joined forces with Reuben Molnar from Te Whatu Ora. He had worked with students from Marlborough Boys College growing kumara at the Marlborough Community gardens last year. The boys harvested over 90 kg of kumara! The Bohally School students were interested to hear from Reuben how they had used Māori Mātauranga that Reuben had learnt from mana whenua to grow their kumara. Unfortunately the method the Bohally School students had used to grow...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

January 13, 2024

Enviroschools stories General

Writers Walk Poem Unveiling

On a cool Spring day on the Taylor River the 21st poem was unveiled. Written by Mia Lasenby from Wairau Valley School, this new poem forms part of the Writers Walk. Springlands School students who were passionate about the environment start the project in 2009. The students had been learning all about the Taylor River including its water quality and came up with an idea that would make a difference then and in the future. With support from Marlborough District Council, who provided the large rocks. Sowmans Funeral Home who set the poems on plaques. Cathee Wilks and Ali Kay, teachers and project champions. 14 years on, the project is still going strong. They have...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

October 4, 2023

Enviroschools stories

Grovetown School Student Scientists

The children in Waihi class at Grovetown School have been investigating the health of the creek that runs alongside their school. After the Grovetown School students first visit to observe the creek they felt pretty confident that it wasn’t in a very good state. But the children wanted some facts to back up what they saw. The children named the weed on top of the creek Frog Porridge. Using the Enviroschools Stream Study Kit they measured the flow, temperature, and clarity of the water, before identifying the creatures that live in the creek. Unfortunately the only creatures they found were small snails. All their tests of the creek failed to meet healthy...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

August 9, 2023

Enviroschools stories General

Renwick Kindergarten Pause and Reflect

A key aspect to the Enviroschools journey is reflection. “Reflection is an integral part of the learning cycle, helping us to make sense of our experiences, deepen our learning, and gain direction for the journey ahead”. Renwick Kindergarten have been a Green Gold Enviroschols since 2019. Earlier this year they decided to reflect on their journey. They had completed all their “next steps” from their Green Gold reflection and felt it was time to identify some new ones. Renwick Kindergarten tamariki, John Leggett and Anne Best test out the new water access at Rousehill Reserve As their team reflected on the last four years it quickly became apparent the Enviroschools kauapapa is no...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

July 14, 2023

Enviroschools stories

Nature Connection Workshops

Did you know that spending time in nature can support multiple developmental domains including intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical? There has been a growing interest and awareness of nature connection benefits amongst kaiako/ teachers. In support of this Enviroschools and REAP Marlborough hosted Celia Hogan from Little Kiwis Nature Play to come and share her knowledge and expertise with kaiako this term. Across two workshops, Celia unpacked the benefits of nature connection. How tamariki/ children play and what they require to do so. As well as ideas on how to enhance the outdoor environment. She facilitated discussions around the barriers and opportunities that nature connection offer from a diverse and cultural perspective. This covered opportunities such...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

July 3, 2023

Enviroschools stories

Waikawa Bay School Stream Restoration

This year we have access to some funds through Enviroschools from the 1 Billion Trees Fund. Through this fund we have been able to help Waikawa Bay School purchase trees to plant and restore the stream that they have been successfully trapping for a number of years. Angela, one of our Environmental Educators worked alongside some of the Waikawa Bay School students involved in the trapping and replanting project to identify which trees would be the most suitable to plant and encourage birds to return to the area. Names of plants are important especially for trees with large numbers of species and varieties such as Comprosma and Pittosporum. A name can tell you how tall...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

June 26, 2023

Enviroschools stories

Mandala at Montessori

Montessori Blenheim ignites intellectual interest and allows children to perpetuate curiosity and propel forward to further explore all the natural wonders of our world. Through the prepared environment, kaiārahi offer authentic opportunities for children to connect to their environment. To foster a love and appreciation of their surroundings and support a deeper understanding of the 'big ideas' that underpin all life on earth.

Acknowledging children's enthusiasm to discover rich and diverse cultural concepts is important as it enables their endeavours, regardless of the limit of kaiārahi understanding and knowledge. Respect for the Diversity of People and Cultures acknowledges the unique gifts, contributions and perspectives of individuals and groups, reinforcing the value...

by Enviroschools Marlborough

March 20, 2023

Enviroschools stories

Action Fund makes dream a reality

An Enviroschools Action Fund makes the Wairau Valley school Enviro Teams dream a reality last year. The plan was to create a native corridor for native birds. The team researched what type of plants native birds like and also discussed the flowering times of different native plants to provide food through out the year. It was a great practical activity and the students really enjoyed mucking in. ...

by Enviroschools Marlborough