This month, our curious tamariki explored bugs, life cycles, and nature's wonders, including discovering a real bird nest. Alongside tending their garden and harvesting produce, they are learning to become kaitiaki and care for the world around them.
A highlight this month has been our inquiry into bugs and critters. Our tamariki have been fascinated by the tiny creatures that share our environment. We explored how bees work, where bugs live, and their life cycles.
This inquiry has led to rich conversations, encouraging our learners to ask questions, research, and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. Watching their curiosity blossom has been truly inspiring.
We are also excited to share that while opening one of our garden spaces to allow tamariki to move freely, we discovered a beautiful nest with eggs in a tree. This was a truly special, natural learning moment. Our tamariki stood quietly, watching the mother bird (mānu) come and go as she cared for her nest and her pēpi.
This sparked a deep sense of curiosity and respect, beginning our journey as kaitiaki — guardians — of this precious mānu and her babies. It is moments like these that remind us of the importance of nurturing and protecting the living world around us.
In the garden, our tamariki have also been busy helping to tend and harvest fresh produce such as spring onions, spinach, silverbeet, and celery. These greens have been a hit with our pet bunnies, shared with whānau, and placed in our pātaka kai.
Gardening teaches patience, responsibility, and respect for nature, and it is wonderful to see our tamariki embracing these values.