🌻 Our Sunflower Experiment – From Seed to Sprout!

Our tamariki have been exploring how sunflowers grow by placing seeds onto damp cotton wool balls inside zip-lock bags and hanging them in a sunny window. We also painted our own pots and planted both dwarf and giant sunflower seeds to investigate which would sprout first.

Through this experiment, we are developing scientific thinking as we predict, observe, compare and discover what seeds need to grow. We are also exploring early mathematical concepts by counting the days until germination, measuring growth and comparing our seedlings.

I wonder… Will the dwarf or giant sunflowers sprout first? Will the seeds in the bags or pots grow faster?

🌻 Observational Painting – Sunflowers

We have been exploring sunflowers through observational painting, looking closely at their colours, shapes, textures and patterns. Using sunflowers and pictures as inspiration, the children are encouraged to notice details and express what they see through their own creative interpretations.

This experience supports creativity, fine motor skills, concentration and visual awareness, while also weaving in mathematical concepts such as shape, size, symmetry and patterns found in nature.

What great artists we have!!

Exploring Nature with our senses

Today our tamariki enjoyed a wonderful adventure into the bush, exploring the natural world around us through our senses!

Armed with magnifying glasses and a special nature scavenger hunt, we set off to see what exciting things we could discover. Our scavenger hunt encouraged us to use our senses to explore our surroundings, searching for different textures, sights and sounds along the way. From crunchy leaves beneath our feet to soft, smooth moss, there was so much to investigate! As we discovered each item, we eagerly ticked it off our scavenger hunt sheets.

We also took time to stop and whakarongo (listen) to the sounds of the ngahere (bush/forest). We listened carefully for the beautiful calls of our native manu (birds), including the cheeky pīwakawaka (fantail) and tūī. Our magnifying glasses were particularly popular, allowing us to take a closer look at the intricate patterns of leaves, delicate spiderwebs and other tiny details that we might otherwise have missed.

Throughout our adventure, there was some wonderful learning taking place. Our tamariki were developing their observation skills, sensory awareness and curiosity as they investigated the natural environment. They were also strengthening their oral language as they described what they could see, hear and feel, sharing their discoveries and learning new vocabulary along the way.

Experiences like these also help nurture our tamariki's connection with Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), encouraging a sense of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) as we learn to appreciate, respect and care for our natural environment.

What a wonderful way to explore the beauty of nature, discover new things and experience the many treasures our ngahere has to offer!