Welcome Spring
Kia ora koutou,
How has the spring season kicked off for you?
Here in the deep south the daffodils are showing their heads, lambs are beginning to be born and the feeling of growth and new beginnings is abundant. We have had some lovely warm weather interspersed with the threat of snow. A true spring with four seasons in one day!
As we move into spring it is the perfect time to make choices and take inspired actions. Having taken time to rest and reconnect over winter, now we are free to make the most of the longer days, start new projects and put our plans into action.
As we sit on the cusp of our spring holidays I urge you to take time to think about your plans for the rest of the year and what inspired actions you can take to achieve these goals.
On another note last weekend I attended the Nature Educators workshop that really reiterated to me the positive effects of allowing tamariki the opportunity to play freely in nature.
As educators we often feel as though any time spent with children must be directed and have a clear end goal of what we would like them to achieve.
However, all of the science behind Nature education teaches us that by allowing tamariki to play freely we are giving them the opportunity to learn through their own schema (the patterns of thinking and behaviour that people use to interpret the world).
We are also giving them the opportunity to play in a way that allows them to use creativity and learn about their own strengths and limitations (by pushing their limits and seeing what works, as in risky play and utilising loose parts).
These skills are such that they are not only useful today but will provide our children with self confidence and self belief into the future.
One of the main points I took out of the weekend was that children are never too old to play.
While we often think of this approach being relevant only to pre primary aged children. Students of all ages can benefit from spending time outdoors, and with the prevalence of technology and all it entails, I would argue that the older children get perhaps the more time outdoors they would benefit from!
As we move into the warmer months it is the perfect time to think about how we can allow our tamariki more time outdoors.
Here are some ideas you may wish use:
Regular time out of the classroom each week/month/term.
Climbing trees, creating opportunities to balance, jump etc
Have a variety of loose parts available so children can create freely.
Learning in nature, head outside for SSR or other lessons.
Mindfulness activities outside such as cloud watching and mindful walking.
Learn the history of your area to develop a sense of belonging.
Put up a slack line (include a rope above the head to hold on to when learning), provide large cable drums or other large loose parts that deliver opportunities for risky play.
Creating and/or utilising your garden area.
Wishing you a fabulous week ahead and restful holiday.
Nga mihi,
Natalie
