Schools getting creative in the garden
Over recent weeks, schools around the motu have returned to on-site learning, after being closed due to lockdown.
Already, we’ve been blown away by the creativity schools have shown, as they have found new ways to get their tamariki out and about in the garden, soaking up the sunshine, and making the most of the fresh air.
Today, we want to share a few of the creative things that Dominion Road School have been doing - along with a few ideas of our own, in the hopes these may inspire you to get your own tamariki in the garden.
Garden Adventures
After being unable to tend to the garden for several months, when the students at Dominion Road returned to school, they found that most of their plants had gone to seed.
Exploring their overgrown (yet stunning!) garden, and observing all the changes that had taken place, provided almost endless learning opportunities. From noticing how the structure and size of a plant changes when in seed, to examining how those seeds are distributed, for example by wind, birds or simply by falling to the soil below.
Mulching
Ahead of the warm summer months and long school holidays, the students also enjoyed getting stuck in with mulching and watering the gardens. The mulch will cool and protect the soil from evaporation, reducing the watering needed and suppressing weeds.
What a great way to teach about water cycles and the importance of water preservation in the garden and the value of water as a life-giving resource.
Magnifying Glass Observations
The Dominion Road students also took the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature - heading out into the garden with magnifying glasses to examine the plants, leaves and soil.
Wheel Barrow Obstacle Course
If your tamariki have energy to burn, we recommend setting up a wheelbarrow obstacle course.
Simply head outside, set up some obstacles, and get your tamariki to navigate the course using a wheelbarrow!
Brighten up the Garden
For an art activity with a difference, you may like to challenge your children to paint a mural or create some garden art inspired by the colours of nature. Just set them up with some art supplies, and let their imaginations run wild!
Garden Observation
Or, for something a little more peaceful, why not head outside and have your tamariki watch a plant for 2 minutes?
How many petals does it have?
Is it symmetrical?
How many bees visit?
How long do they stay on a flower?
Can you see any pollen on their legs?
We know that this year has been a challenging year for schools and teachers. The Garden to Table programme provide lots of creative outdoor learning outlets to support students.
We hope these ideas provide families at home with some inspiration too! Let us know how you get along via Facebook and Instagram.
Ngā mihi nui to Dominion Rd School for the images.