Teal Valley Forest Kindergarten

We are fortunate to be able to offer our eldest children the opportunity to participate in the Forest Kindergarten programme.
 
The purpose of the forest kindergarten is to connect children and nature. The fundamental idea here is that children learn more about who they are, what makes them excited, motivated and feel more connected when they are in nature.
 
He taonga te mokopuna, kia whāngaia, kia tipu, kia rea.
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A child is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish.
We can say the same for our environment - it is a treasure, to be nurtured, to grow, to flourish.
"Many studies show the positive links between direct experiences in nature and children’s mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. The studies show that regular direct access to nature can:
  • increase self-esteem and resilience against stress and adversity
  • improve concentration, learning, creativity, cognitive development, cooperation, flexibility and self-awareness
  • prevent childhood obesity.
Research has also shown that through positive experiences in nature, children will develop their love of nature and a foundation for the development of responsible environmental behaviour. Studies of adults who demonstrate a commitment to protect the natural world suggest that childhood experience with nature plays a critical role in determining life attitudes, knowledge or behaviours regarding the environment." (DoC website)