Our 4-year-old children regularly enjoy going out into the community to explore local musuems and art seen around our beautiful city.
This term they have enjoyed a special art excursion to Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, where creativity, observation, and storytelling came together in a meaningful learning experience.
As we approached The Deep Sigh of the Pacific, the children were immediately captivated by its striking forms and unique design. Taking time to view the sculpture from different angles, they shared their own interpretations, describing it as a 'tower', a 'giant shell' and even 'a special doorway'.
The art-making process was a key part of the visit. Armed with pens and notepads, the children carefully observed the sculpture, paying close attention to its shapes, lines, textures, and patterns. They experimented with different marks and drawing techniques to represent what they could see, discovering that everyone notices different details. Each sketch reflected a unique perspective, encouraging creativity, confidence, and self-expression. The children were proud to share their drawings with their peers and talk about the ideas behind their artwork.
This experience aligns with Te Whāriki, particularly the Communication | Mana Reo strand, where children develop confidence in expressing their ideas and listening to others, and the Exploration | Mana Aotūroa strand, where they learn through active exploration, creativity, and making sense of the world around them. Through art, conversation, and collaboration, the children demonstrated curiosity, imagination, and a genuine joy of learning.