At BestStart Beach Haven, we embrace hands-on learning, and our flourishing strawberry plant has offered the perfect opportunity. This sweet seasonal experience has been a gateway for our tamariki to explore nature, develop new skills, and connect with their environment.
Our strawberry plant has been incredibly generous, providing a bounty of delicious, ripe fruits for the tamariki to taste. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for the children to practise and develop their fine motor skills while harvesting the strawberries.
Using small, safe scissors, they’ve learned the delicate art of cutting and picking the fruit without damaging the plants. This hands-on experience aligns perfectly with Te Whāriki, which values learning through meaningful activities that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
As the tamariki engage with the plants, they’re also connecting to the land and their cultural practices, cultivating an understanding of where food comes from and the importance of nurturing the environment. This practice fosters a sense of well-being, as children develop confidence, patience, and a sense of responsibility.
The joy of sharing the freshly picked strawberries also strengthens their sense of belonging and community. Through these simple yet profound moments in the garden, the tamariki not only hone practical skills but also deepen their connection to nature and the world around them, reflecting the values at the heart of Te Whāriki.
It has been a great season for us in the Toitoi room, and we hope to grow more fruit-bearing plants or vegetables for the next summer.