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Extending our learning
Here at BestStart Hokowhitu, in the Ruma Pihipihi we are learning about Rongo the Maori god of peace and cultivated foods. The teachers decided to set up an activity planting seeds with the tamariki.
We set up potting mix and seeds. The tamariki have learnt that there are certain tikanga around planting one of which is a karakia before we began planting. Our karakia thanked Rongo asking him to watch over our plants as they grow and to keep them healthy and safe.
The tamariki chose peas, carrots and pumpkin to plant. All the tamariki had a turn to put the soil into the pots, which they did amazingly, being careful not to spill any. When all of the pots were full we began putting in the seeds. With all the tamariki around the table taking turns at putting the seeds in the pot plants. They pushed a hole in the soil, placed the seed in and covered it over with soil. When they were all planted, I asked the tamariki what else we might need to do to help the seeds to grow. They thought about it for a minute and called out water, so we put some water in each of the pots. While we were planting the seeds, I could hear conversations between the tamariki about, what their favourite vegetables were and how some had vegetables growing in their gardens at home.
Next step is looking after our seeds, by watering them, and making sure they have lots of sun and watching them grow.