Butterfly Creek Trip

It was a very excited group of children (along with our wonderful parents and helpers) who boarded the bus and headed for Butterfly Creek near the Auckland Airport. We had been learning about the life cycles of butterflies and frogs and we agreed that this trip would allow the children to see many different species of butterflies up close. There were several animal enclosures to visit and we saw 'Scar' the alligator being fed - he was huge! Some children were lucky enough to touch the baby alligator. "He feels all hard and bumpy" Torrin said.
















Over at the animal farm there were baby rabbits, goats, mice and a kune kune pig. It was so good to see the children using gentle hands as they patted the animals. Karin didn't like seeing the cockroaches in the 'bug house' very much but everyone had fun on the train ride. It was a great day out and we received a lot of good feedback from the children and the parents/helpers who went on the trip. Thanks so much for your support.

In the news ....

http://www.waikatoindependent.co.nz/2013/03/waikato-kindergarten-takes-up-yoga/11684/

Check out the link above to see the article published on our children's yoga classes.

28 degrees ? Time for water fun !

Smoking Kahawai

There has been a strong interest around fishing and beach life following the holidays and over the summer season. We have been very fortunate to have Michael (Rhy's dad) come in to prepare and smoke a Kahawai fish with the children. 
The children touched the fish's scales and even it's eyes to develop an understanding of the sensorial feelings of what a fish looks, smells and feels like up close.
Michael showed the children the teeth inside the fish's mouth while reminding them never to put their fingers inside a fish's mouth while it is alive. He also showed the children the fins and tail of the fish and explained how these help the fish to steer through the water while it is swimming.
Michael cut the fish's head off and cut it down through the middle to flatten it open. 
The children laughed as Michael showed them how to make a 'fish face' by holding the fish head out in front of their face like a mask.
The children sprinkled brown sugar and salt over the fish and left it to crystalize for ten minutes.
The smoker was prepared with Manuka tree wood chip shavings.
We dug a hole in our vegetable garden and buried the fish head and tail into the soil as fertilizer for the garden.
We could see the smoke rising from the smoker and smell the fish cooking as we were having our mat time. 
After mat time we sat in the shade and ate the smoked Kahawai while it was still warm. It was so delicious!

Thank you Michael.
The children's learning around fishing is extended as they get a close sensory experience and develop knowledge more indepth knowledge about the Kahawai fish and how to prepare and smoke it making it ready for eating.
Children are taking responsibility for our growing garden and Papatuanuku through making use of the discarded fish carcass by putting it back into the earth and helping to fertilize the soil.