Celebrating Matariki at Kindergarten

Over the last week we have been reading about Matariki and the significance of celebrating the start of the Maori New Year with a feast. Today at Torbay Kindergarten we decided to celebrate with a roast lunch. This was a feast of lamb, chicken, potatos, kumera and peas, finishing with some mandarins from Georgia's tree. What a spread. This was a wonderful meal to enjoy together on a wet and windy day.

Beach Explorers at Torbay Kindergarten

What better place to start with children than in their own community learning to respect their Turangawaewae through hands on experience.
Our beach trips are based in "child time" with the children being actively encouraged to lead and direct the journey through their interests and curiosity.
Through this experience children not only learn inquiry skills but also self regulated courage, resilience and strategies for independence.
"If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered (as passionate conservationists) then let us allow them to love the Earth before we ask them to save it." (David Sobel, Beyond Ecophobia)

S.O.S