Local Playcentres in Canterbury recently had the exciting opportunity for a nature-based play weekend as part of a MoE-funded Playcentre PLD cluster programme with Kim Tenebaum.
Forty two whānau were hosted at Bushland Farm, the Christchurch homebase of Elements Education where they were able to explore their range of resources and nature based play area.
For whānau this was an amazing opportunity to engage with their tamariki and other tamariki in an outdoor space dedicated to nature based and outdoor play.
Tamariki had the opportunity to wonder, explore and be engaged in this amazing and simple outdoor environment.
So many highlights were shared by whānau. Some included:
- digging in real mud & dirt
- toasting and cooking kai over the fire
- carpentry, building, sawing, making
- swinging using tyres, ropes and nets
- risky play
- slack line and bridge
- raking leaves
- rolling things down hills.
A great time was had by all and this has inspired Playcentres to consider the exploring, outdoor and nature based opportunities they share with tamariki on the sessions, both at the centre and outdoor exploring.
Thanks to Kim and the Elements team for this offering this amazing opportunity for our whānau.