Grasmere Kindergarten trip to the NZ Jungle! 13 September 2017
The bus pulled in and it was exciting for the tamariki to be coming to visit the NZ jungle. We wandered through the orchard, past the vege gardens and stopped to check out the worms in the worm bath, the signs eventually taking us to the education centre. Exploration of the education centre, some kai and a story energised us for a sensory treasure hunt walk around the pond track, where we saw just how sticky the kohuhu seeds can be, felt how prickly totara leaves are, smelt the citrus aroma of tarata (lemonwood), listened to the birds and the rustling of the cabbage tree leaves, and saw evidence of small insects that live in the NZ bush on harakeke (flax) and in mingimingi. It was great to see the wonder as we touched the different plants - rimu, makomako (wineberry), kapuka (broadleaf), flax, ti kouka (cabbage tree) etc. Back in the education centre it was puzzle time and exploration of what was behind the doors in the tunnel. We found some “good for our native bush” things and some that are not so good (pests etc). We finished off learning the words and actions to the “kiwi bird” song. A great visit. Bronwyn
Posted: 25 September 2017