Nature Play – Springlands Kindergarten
Under the warm rays of Tamanuitera| the sun the tamariki| children at Springlands Kindergarten gather together ready for their weekly hikoi| walk to McKendry Park. A place that they have become very familiar with and comfortable to explore, discover and play. As they pass through the kura| school grounds they wave and say hello to past students before arriving at the large open space. The park is spotted with multiple plum trees and a gentle stream running down one side.
Identify
Recognising the importance of connecting with nature and the benefits it offers, the kaiako at Springlands Kindergarten decided that they wanted to find a way to integrate more of this into their programme.
They identified an opportunity to access a nearby green space, McKendry Park. Within only a short walking distance either through the next-door kura (Springlands School) or around the block, it seemed like the perfect place to visit.
Tamariki drawing what they see in nature
Explore
They began using this space as a place to get out and explore its potential. It gave them the opportunity to connect with their community and build relationships outside of the Kindergarten. The neighbouring rest home and school being two of them. It also led to some of the kaiako| teachers upskilling themselves in Nature Play education. So that they could get the most out of these excursions .
Action
Knowledge gained from this training led to tamariki being empowered with making choices in regards to risk taking and being involved in identifying hazards.
The kaiako discuss the purpose of the trip before leaving. This dictates whether or not they bring any other resources with them – such as clipboards and pens or balls. It also helps to select which tamariki will go based on their needs and interests.
Tree climbing
The tamariki help identify hazards and conduct a safety check when they arrive at Mc Kendry Park . The pathway that loops around the park is the“boundary” and is “lava”. They also take responsibility in picking up any litter that they come across. They have an understanding that this harms Papatūānuku. Tamariki are then empowered to lead their own play and are able to explore freely whilst there.
Tree climbing has become an integral part of this experience – the tamariki have the knowledge of how to select a “good” climbing tree. Using the technique of identifying branches that are no smaller than their own arm. Other rules apply such as keeping three points of contact at all times.
In the summer months they harvest plums which they turn it into jam and give to the rest home residents and whānau.
Reflect
By visiting all year round the tamariki have been able to observe the changes in the environment – from the bare trees, to the pink blossom and finally the sweetness of a ripe plum pick freshly from the tree. The tamariki work together and problem solve – moving big branches or taking turns climbing in the trees. New friendships have formed and personalities developed. Their imagination runs wild as they go fishing from high on a tree stump or hunt for possums. Their creativity has flourished with the opportunity to use natural resources and draw what they see.
Even the behaviours that seem challenging in the Kindergarten environment seem to disappear whilst here.