You can enjoy nature in your backyard or garden, on your balcony, from the window, or around your property. You can explore the outdoors in lots of ways.
You do not have to have all the answers to their questions. It is good learning for tamariki | children to make guesses and come up with their own theories and ideas. It is good for them to see you wondering and learning too.
You can show your tamaiti how to be active, curious learners. You could look for the answers together later, which helps your tamaiti understand the concept of research.
Te ao Māori perspectives such as the tikanga associated with using natural resources, can guide these experiences and foster the valued role we all have as kaitiaki | guardians of the natural world.
Learning in nature#
Hands-on experiences in nature help tamariki to:
- develop an appreciation and understanding of the natural world including animals, birds, insects, and plants
- develop a sense of curiosity
- use scientific methods such as observation and classification
- understand the importance of kaitiakitanga | guardianship.
Support your tamaiti#
You can support your tamaiti by:
- talking to them about the natural world
- fostering curiosity
- sharing knowledge
- modelling respect and care for the natural world
- bringing items home for display.
Tips for hands-on learning with nature#
Ideas of natural resources to play with
You could use a selection of natural materials, such as:
- shells
- bark
- sponges
- stones and rocks
- non-poisonous seeds
- leaves
- flowers
- plants and seedlings
- sticks, branches, logs or driftwood
- seaweed
- moss and lichen
- pinecones
- bones
- fur
- feathers
- harakeke | flax.
You can also use posters, books, and information about the natural world.
Always check that items are safe to touch and that items are larger than 5 centimetres, especially when infants and toddlers are present. Be aware of any nut allergies.
Ideas for learning in the home garden
You can buy seeds or seedings or ask for seeds or cuttings from friends or whānau. You may be able to sprout plants from supermarket fruit and vegetables.
If you are buying seeds or plants, easy-to-grow vibrant flowers and tasty fruit and vegetables could be a good choice. Some ideas include:
- sunflowers
- pansies
- marigolds
- cherry tomatoes
- peas
- beans
- carrots
- micro greens
- strawberries
- passion fruit.
Ideas for learning outside
With your tamaiti, you can:
- notice the nature around you and talk about this together
- notice the weather such as clouds, wind, and rain
- notice plants, insects, and birds
- be curious and ask what, how, why, when, and who questions about what you see.
Ideas for learning about the environment
With your tamaiti, you could:
- make compost
- start a worm farm
- make a scarecrow
- harvest fruit and vegetables
- put mulch on the garden
- re-pot plants.
