Puddles, pohutakawa and a pā
The adventures of the little outdoor explorers. When you’re hunting for puddles, gumboots are a must. Especially on a rainy day like the day we launched our new outdoor play session recently. We wrapped up in our waterproofs and wellies and set out to explore the local Huharua Reserve at Plummer’s Point.
We found lots of citrus trees full of sweet-smelling blossoms and fruit. There was plenty on the ground too making for some fun foraging, as well as a healthy addition to a morning tea snack.
The pohutakawa were starting to bud with flowers very different to the other flowers we saw blooming – they were all spiky. The path to the pā was lined with tiki and carvings – some holding fish and some holding weapons. An impressive introduction to our Māori heritage for the little tamariki. The large rocks were a surprising home for puddles full of tiny treasures – what a fun place to poke and prod and investigate, right at the littlies’ level. Another path led to a beach where the tide was out and we could explore the mudflats, find shells and look for crabs.
There were lots of puddles to splash in, hills to climb - and to roll back down again. An awesome opportunity for the more cautious to extend themselves and learn more confidence. Fortunately those handy waterproofs did their trick.
What an adventurous morning! So many new sights and smells to take in. How lucky are we to have such a fantastic nature spot right on our back doorstep?
These outdoor play sessions run for pre-schoolers every Tuesday (rain, hail or shine), 9am-12pm, and focus on providing fun and low-key educational, play experiences for tamariki amongst nature, at some of the amazing local reserves and beaches.
Please check our Facebook page or email omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz to find out where we’re meeting this week. We’d love you and your kids to join us! Or visit our Playcentre behind Settlers Hall on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays (9am-12pm).
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