At one with nature
The children at Sand Dunes Early Learning Centre love the hands-on approach of the Plimmerton pre-school’s new farm, says manager Lauren Brown.
The centre recently extended its family of pets.
It now has nine rabbits, four guinea pigs, two chickens and four birds. And there is talk of more animals to come, says Ms Brown.
‘‘The children can’t wait to get out to the farm each morning, they could spend their whole day out there with the animals.
It’s just so fulfilling knowing that our children have this special opportunity to be learning around animals every day,’’ she says.
The animals live in a fencedoff paddock through a gate from the children’s playground.
Each day the children and teachers complete their farming duties by saying good morning to all the animals, letting them out to graze, feeding them and playing with them, says Ms Brown.
Each morning children collect the fresh farm eggs that Dotti and Aggie have laid.
At the end of the day the kids help put the animals in their hutches and hens house for the night, ensuring they are well-fed and comfortable.
Ms Brown says keeping animals as pets is a fantastic learn- ing experience for children and emphasises the philosophy of learning through the natural rhythms of life.
‘‘The children, staff and families love looking after the animals and find it very rewarding as well as a fantastic tool for teaching children to reconnect with nature and to promote a more green lifestyle.
It also teaches children about sharing, caring and routines and encourages nurturing and responsibility.’’