There’s something magical about watching young children meet animals up close, and we were so lucky at Beststart Totara to have one of one of our lovely family's bring in their ducklings born on their farm.
The children were absolutely amazing, and kept their bodies nice and calm as we welcomed the ducklings into our environment.
Animals play a really important part in early childhood education, and their presence links into Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum. When children spend time with animals - whether they are looking at insects in the garden at home or here at the centre, visiting a farm/ petting zoo they learn in a natural, hands-on ways. These experiences help children grow socially and emotionally as they develop empathy, kindness, and responsibility.
Children also gain confidence as they learn how to look after another living creature and come to realise that animals need gentle treatment and depend on us humans for safety and comfort. Having our duckling visitors prompted so many amazing questions.
Overall, animals offer rich learning opportunities that help tamariki build strong relationships, develop important life skills, and begin to understand their role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the natural environment.