Today our māra kai (gardening) teacher, Anita, came to preschool to guide our tamariki in planting huawhenua (vegetables).
We began by gathering together and listening to a beautiful pūrākau (story) about how kākano (seeds) can grow into kai (food).
This story helped our tamariki to imagine the journey of the seeds - from tiny little specks, to shoots, and then into the delicious huawhenua we can eat and share with our whānau. Anita then showed us some special huawhenua cards, each with a picture of a different vegetable. This gave us a chance to see what we would be planting today. Our tamariki were so excited, and many already knew the ingoa (names) of the vegetables - ka mau te wehi!
Our tamariki listened carefully to the kaiako’s tohutohu (instructions) step by step: First, we filled our pots with oneone (soil). Next, we made a little poka (hole) in the middle and gently placed the kākano inside. Finally, we waiwai (watered) the seeds carefully, giving them the best chance to grow. It was so special to see our tamariki working with such aroha (love) and manaaki (care). Some tamariki even helped each other, showing mahi ngātahi (teamwork) and great whakarongo (listening).
Through this mahi (work), we learned not only about how to grow huawhenua, but also about patience, responsibility, and how to care for our taiao (environment). Everyone had such a wonderful time being part of this process. The māra kai experience reminded us that when we look after the whenua, it gives back to us by growing kai to nourish our tinana (bodies).
Ka mau te wehi tamariki - kāore e roa ka tipu ā tātou huawhenua! We can’t wait to see the fruits of our mahi. 🌱