For our children, the program takes place every Tuesday from 9am to 2.30pm. Tamariki choose through consensus vote, the area within the 20 hectares of bush, orchard and paddocks they wish to explore first and without any set objective in mind, kaiako follow the tamariki lead in games, exploration and experiences. I.e. Damming a slow running stream to create a mini lake or building a tee pee out of fallen tree branches. Kaiako observation rather than direction during these activities is key as this is how children learn to overcome their fears about getting dirty or wet, develop their own games using natural resources and understand the concepts of risk taking.
After trialing this program for a year in our Hamilton and Pakuranga centres, we have been so impressed with the benefits of outdoor learning that we are starting a three day bush kindy in New Shoots Pakuranga. The tamariki will be able to take their learning outdoors for three days a week. This will allow tamariki to explore and connect with papatuanuku and then spend two days doing meaningful and environmental project-based learning back in the centre.
Tips on how to start your own bush kindy program and get back to nature with the kids this winter:
- Choose an accessible natural venue
- Contact the local council about potential poisons in the area
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment for the programme
- Outline your objectives and outcomes for tamariki
- Source and have on hand special rainwear and high vis vests for children, parents and teachers involved
- Research bush kindergarten programs and consult with other groups in the country who have started similar programs
- Set up boundaries for the children – a coloured rope running along the ground can demonstrate where children need to stop and not go any further
Dane Laugesen and Shannon Woodcock are early childhood teachers at New Shoots Children’s Centres in Hamilton. Both Dean and Shannon are inspired by their mahi and believe, that as kaiako, it is their role to support tamariki as they develop a kete of strategies, tools and skills that will support and encourage them throughout all their future adventures.
