5 November 2021

I've been thinking a lot about nature. It's been hot, cold, grey, wet, blustery, calm over the last couple of weeks. Layers, layers, layers. Many factors are unpredictable and some aren't - for example, the benefits that being in nature provide. Every week, there seems to be a new piece of research or article about the nature link to wellbeing.

We try and get our children outside for learning - not enough, I often think. We live and work right smack bang in the middle of an incredibly nature-rich environment. We can feel the sand between our toes and our seats on branches in a jiffy. We can write, read, do Maths, Science, Social Sciences, all aspects of Positive Education, Physical Education and get inside the rich concepts of Te Aō Māori all by taking that step outside.

In education there has been a move to make learning ubiquitous, to understand that learning happens everywhere, to break down the classroom walls..... To be honest, it reminds me of the '70s growing up in the provinces! We ran wild! "I'm off down the lagoon on my bike. I'll be back for dinner!" type thing. (I look back and think eeeekkkk!)

So, I'm really keen to make sure we are giving our children enough opportunities to push their limits in a 'safe' way without padding them up and limiting the building of resilience and confidence.

We have many families who do amazing things in the weekends and some of the adventures are totally ticking all of the boxes plus! Last week at Leadership meeting as we were looking at next year's plan, I suggested the idea of a Tramping Club as part of the curriculum! The faces looked interested! I did get asked who I would select to carry my tent - which was a little unkind! But it is this sort of idea I am really keen to keep thinking about.

The seniors have started their 'Healthy Body, Healthy Mind' Inquiry. I was told on road patrol that the running "is a form of torture!" I just respond with "Oh, but aren't you lucky to be outside in nature!"

Anyway - food for thought - if you have ideas, please let us know!