Marlborough kids embrace Nature Connection
Marlborough District Council environmental educators have been working alongside teachers and students from Springlands Kindergarten and Spring Creek School to set up Nature Connection Programmes.
Nature Connection is a programme that fosters a more intentional approach to being in the wider environment, encouraging participants to slow down, observe and interact with the physical space.
Environmental Educator Ramona Millen said the Council environmental education team hosted a professional Nature Connection educator last year to develop their skills in this area.
Two of the team were also involved in a Nature Connection Community of Practice with the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE), where they gained further knowledge around practical ways to engage students.
“Nature Connection has some well researched benefits, including using our senses more, improving our wellbeing and building a better understanding of the natural world,” Ramona said.
“If they connect with the natural world, research shows children will want to look after it more.”
In term four of 2023, educators teamed up with Spring Creek School and Springlands Kindergarten to help them establish their own Nature Connection Programmes.
The schools run the programmes slightly differently, but they use the same philosophy and teaching strategies.
Ten of the oldest children from Springlands Kindergarten are taken to Shep’s Park for three hours once a fortnight, while Spring Creek School students use their own environment, with some extension into a neighbouring property. The whole school is involved for up to four hours on a Monday.
“Invitations to explore are set up in each session to support children in connecting with the environment. This could include magnifying glasses, tarps and ropes for hut building, clay or nature scavenger hunts. Children are empowered to lead their own exploration and engage with the environment in ways that interest them,” Ramona said.
Both programmes have had multiple positive outcomes for all involved.
“Children's confidence has grown, relationships have developed and strengthened. They are more observational and take notice of what is around them and are active,” Ramona said.