At The Vines Early Learning Centre in West Auckland, we believe that some of the best learning happens outside. There’s no better way to help our young people connect with the world around them than with muddy knees, curious minds and wide eyes. However, as we’re told in The Rings of Power, “Alone, it’s just a journey. Now adventures, they must be shared”.
Nature-based learning
That’s why the tamariki in our Pihi Room have set off on the exciting adventure of nature-based learning together. Inspired by one of our curious wee minds spotting a potential “bug house” in our playground, we’ve kicked things off with a much-loved theme: bugs.
The children have taken to exploring every nook and cranny of our outdoor area in search of creepy crawlies. Bug hunts have become a much-loved part of the day, and we’ve spotted all sorts of critters: wiggly worms, bumblebees, trails of ants, busy ladybirds, beetles, slaters, and even the occasional bright green praying mantis. (We’re still looking forward to finding a hidden wētā under a log – well, to be honest, I’m not).
The tamariki are completely absorbed in discovering the little creatures that share our world. But these moments are more than just fun, they’re opportunities for children to use all their senses, build working theories, and learn to care for the living world around them.
Building a bug hotel
So, we’ve decided to take things a step further and build a bug hotel!
This is a special spot in the garden that will provide a safe space for insects to shelter.
It will give our young adventurers a chance to learn more about habitats and how we can look after the tiny creatures who share our world.
Thinking about what bugs might need to feel safe and cosy, reinforces the idea of kaitiakitanga – caring for the environment – in a way that’s easy for tamariki to relate to.
Helping our intrepid adventurers
Want to help? You can.
If you happen to come across any interesting bugs at home that don’t sting (think spiders, ladybirds, snails, beetles, cicada shells, or even stick insects), and your child is keen to bring them in, we’d love to add them to our bug investigations. Please just make sure they’re safely contained and comfortable for the journey.
Exploring, learning, and growing
There’s so much learning that happens naturally through play in the outdoors. At The Vines, we see the environment as a “third teacher”: a living, breathing space that invites exploration and discovery.
Nature-based learning is a great way for children to lead their own learning. It builds curiosity and encourages communication as they share their finds and theories with others. It also helps children learn responsibility, empathy, and care, and not just for nature, but for each other as well.
Our kaiako guide and support the children’s discoveries and encourage them to share what they’ve found. Tamariki are developing language, problem-solving and social skills, all while running around outside and getting their hands dirty. There’s real joy in these moments of learning, and that’s something that we treasure at The Vines.
Discovering a sense of belonging through nature at The Vines ELC
Over the coming months, we’ll continue our learning through nature adventures by exploring more topics that encourage curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning. Our approach links directly to curriculum goals that support children’s growing knowledge of the living world. The skills and understandings they develop will stay with them for life.
We’re excited to be on this journey of discovery with our tamariki. It’s a privilege to watch them find their place in the world, one bug at a time (although maybe not with wētās).