Having an opportunity to hold and stroke the guineas is a big treat…
...and an opportunity for learning not only about being gentle and calm when handling animals, but also to look closely at the guinea’s bodies.
The children are fascinated by their tiny soft ears, their eyes and their little feet. Learning to handle and care for a living creature has benefits for our tamariki on many levels, and these experiences help to foster their understandings about being kaitiaki (guardians) of Papatūānuku.
Our centre philosophy of kaitiakitanga is interwoven throughout our teaching and learning, and aligns perfectly with the Montessori curriculum. In the Montessori classroom, learning about nature is not just a subject; it's a way of life that nurtures a child's connection with nature.
Within our casa, caring for and showing love and kindness for our animals is a big part of our hands-on environmental learning centered around kaitiakitanga. We model how to handle the guinea pigs gently, and how to be calm when we are around them. When the guineas come out for some pats and cuddles, we talk a lot about their tiny bodies, looking at their ears, eyes, feet and so on.
Our tamariki know how important it is not to touch their eyes. They understand that we need to hold them gently so we don’t hurt their bodies, and the importance of not dropping them in case they get lost in the garden or classroom. When we teach children to be kind to animals, we're showing them the importance of extending compassion and empathy to other living beings.
It's an important and valuable lesson that will help them connect on many levels. Our tamariki are growing up with an authentic appreciation of and relationship with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), which fosters their understanding of importance of taking care of her.
They are learning that they are part of a larger ecosystem and that their actions have a direct impact on the world around them.