Seaweek

March 3rd - 11th, 2012

Seaweek is all about learning from each other and sharing experiences about and around the sea.

Graduation Kindergarten

 The children at the Graduation Kindergarten were so involved in the sea activities that had been set up during Sea Week that these learning opportunities were further extended.  A trip to the library stimulated discussion and thinking around the ocean. The children’s interest in this topic deepened as they studied the library books, constructed plaster castings and mobiles using beach materials.They also sourced photos and researched information from the internet to support this investigatory learning.

There was much excitment as the children boarded the Scallywaggs van to participate in a planned visit to Pourerere Beach, a continuation of their interest in the sea.  The children were well  prepared with a list of self generated questions and ideas for their hands on rocky sea shore learning experience. 

Armed with buckets, nets and illustrated guides to the rocky shore, the children, teachers and whanau walked through the rock pools observing the rich and varied life within.

Once the sea creatures had been fully observed and the children had discussed their place in the eco system, all sea life was given safely back to the sea. 

Participation in excursions such as this enhances children's knowledge and understandings of sea life as they investigate, through a hands-on approach, the things they have heard, seen or read prior to their trip.  Exploring their wider world in this way provides children with opportunities to develop new concepts and ideas about caring for the environment and the living creatures within it.

Senior Kindergarten

The children in the Senior Kindergarten really embraced Seaweek and were engaged in many learning activities.

 The children discovered and learnt about different types of creatures and plant life that exist within the hidden depths of the ocean. Learning experiences such as this allow children to gain a greater appreciation of nature, the importance of sustainability and conservation.

Many of the children enjoyed the opportunity to draw what the sea meant to them and then placed ocean scene stickers onto their drawing.  Such experiences enhance children’s knowledge and understanding of a crucial part of the world.

 Middle Kindergarten

 The children decorated the trees in and around the sandpit with shells, seaweed and other treasures from the beach.

A group of children cut out and decorated their own sea creatures.  Using literacy based tools such as scissors encourage children to spend time at an experience of interest.   This type of activity also helps promote muscular development, and fine motor skills and important pre-literacy skills.

The Middle Kindergarten made sheets of pasta which they cut into fish shapes and sea weed.  The children were encouraged to work with the materials, take turns at mixing and put the pasta through the machine.

After they cooked the fish shaped pasta the children ate it for morning tea.

The children had the opportunity to investigate and dress up in some scuba diving gear.    This experience enabled the children to extend their perceptions of diving and the natural wonders that can be explored under the sea.

 Tohorā nui the whale puppet made an appearance at mat-time and everyone sang Tohorā nui with him.  The children also participated in a group time, reading “Whakatau – The Boy from the sea and played Nga Kaiora o te Moana-Sea Creatures where the children were asked he aha tēnei ?-what sea creature is this.