Nature Moves

Tamariki take part in a sensory experience that involves connecting with nature.

Being outside and moving our bodies has so many different benefits for our wellbeing. Not only is it a great reason to step outside of our homes or classroom but it’s a great way to focus on one thing at a time. Developing mindfulness while tuning into our movements and enjoying the world around us sounds pretty good!

Also you don’t need anything... Just yourself and some space outside!

Let tamariki know they're going to need some space to move their bodies, but they will need to be close enough to hear the different instructions.

Ask tamariki to lean in and focus on each movement. Can they stretch further? Reach taller? Can they feel different muscles as they do these movements?

Head outside and find a quiet spot with enough space to move around freely - this is totally doable via zoom/Google Meets as long as they stay near the WIFI!

Read these instructions as children do the movements or you might record them for tamariki to follow along with in their own home-learning time:

• Reach up tall and strong like trees in the ngahere/forest.
• Bend down and touch your toes and Papatūānuku.
• Reach your arms out wide like the stars of Matariki (can they remember the names of each of the stars?!)
• Curl up in a ball like te marama/the moon.
• Move like the waves in the moana/ocean.
• Fly like the pīwakawaka.
• Creep quietly like a kiwi.
• Run round and round like a cheeky kea.
• Reach up tall and strong like the trees in the ngahere/forest.
• Bend down and touch your toes and Papatūānuku.
• Lie down on Papatūānuku, eyes towards Rangi-nui (the sky) hands on your tummy, breathe.

This activity is part of the Conservation Week Bookmark collection.

Try one of our favourite activities outside like: Tummy Breathing or if your tamariki are already experts at this, try a Magic Minute

Head to the Department of Conservation's website for other amazing outdoor classroom ideas!

We love the Department of Conservation and their movement to #teachoutsideNZ They have created some beautiful resources that support learning outside and tuning into our surroundings. We think that these Conservation Week activities are awesome and love that they've allowed us celebrate their ideas on Sparklers!