Montessori@Matakana: February 2016

Sunday 28 February 2016

Exploring Nature with Children

"If tomorrow’s caretakers of the earth are to love and understand the natural world, they need to explore it, enjoy it and recognise our reliance upon it2 .

Welcome to the Natural World

The natural world is a playground and place of discovery for adults and children alike. . . it is a place for adventure, exploration and imagination as well as generating a deepening care and connectedness with our environment. In New Zealand, we pride ourselves on our outstanding natural environment, but how connected are we to it really and how are we sharing it with our children? Intuition and research tells us fewer children are having direct experiences with nature. They are spending more time playing indoors, in front of the computer, television or connected to mp3s or gaming devices. We also know that early and frequent positive experiences in the natural environment have a major impact on the healthy growth of a child’s mind, body and spirit1 . As parents, grandparents and/or guardians we have a critical role in fostering that natural ‘sense of wonder’ that kids have. Connecting our children with nature through hands-on, informal exploration and play is a great way to do this. This booklet is designed to give families practical ideas to share and enjoy the natural world - whether it be in your own backyard or out and about in local parks, reserves and beyond. If tomorrow’s caretakers of the earth are to love and understand the natural world, they need to explore it, enjoy it and recognise our reliance upon it2 . " Department of Conservation: Exploring Nature with Children Nau mai, haere mai ki te Ao Tūroa

Check out the link below to view the rest of this Department of Conservation document to give you practical ideas when spending time with your children outdoors.

Bush walk info.

The Monarch Butterfly by Liliane

The Monarch Butterfly

On February 22 2016 Christine brought in a Monarch Butterfly. When it got to the classroom it was a black chrysalis. At about morning tea time Indigo saw a wing coming out of the chrysalis. He went over to it and before long other kids were coming over too. It sat there on it's chrysalis for a while then after ten minutes it started to crawl up it's bit of swan plant. Loula said "It's a female." Mrs.Kirk took a photo and printed it of for Zadie and I. We've got about six more at home so we might bring some more in.

By Liliane

Monday 22 February 2016

New Life

Thanks Liliane and Tom for bringing us a Monarch Chrysalis which we witness this beautiful Monarch emerge from today. Lots of chatting about the Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly occurred in class with some students being inspired to write pieces to be published for the blog. Watch this space....

Year 5 & Year 6 Swimming Sports

Congratulations to everyone in Rm15 for making us proud at the Year 5 & Year 6 Swimming Sports today. A special shout out to Olesya, Liam, Seb, Sasha, Quinn and Elizabeth who all placed in the top 3 in their swimming races. Sasha was so quick in her races that the camera couldn't even keep up! It was wonderful to see everyone putting their best effort in with such awesome MAGIC.

Sunday 21 February 2016

Rm15 Working Bee

A massive thank you to all parents and children that turned up a couple of weeks before the beginning of term 1 to transform Rm15. The first 3 weeks of term have flown by and we have settled into the new year beautifully. That age old saying 'it takes a village to raise a child' is no more evident than when it comes to your child's education. We look forward to seeing many of you next week at the Parent Interviews & Goal Reviews meeting. Remember this is a time for us to discuss your child's academic, social and emotional wellbeing. It's an opportunity for you to raise what you feel are important goals for your child.