Here in Maraetai, which means ‘meeting place by the sea’, our tamariki are drawn to the ocean. Many enjoy sharing their adventures about fishing, boating and beach adventures with their whānau.

As part of our  Matariki celebrations, Maraetai Beachlands Kindergarten explored Waitā, the whetū associated with the ocean and kai moana gathered there. Because of the children’s strong interest in sea life and fishing, the teachers show them how to measure fish. Then, they used this new skill to measure tāmure (snapper), pūwhaiau (gurnard) and pāua and decide if the kaimoana were big enough to keep or too small and needed to be returned to the ocean. The children were proud to be responsible fishers and look after the kaimoana. We also talked about water safety, especially the role of life jackets when boating.

Later in self-directed role, while the children fished they reminded each other “life jackets keep you safe. They help you float on top.” Many shared stories from home like “I have my own life-jacket.” Some of the experienced children put on their own life jackets and volunteered to put on their friends’ life jackets taking a leadership role. They have used their experiences and knowledge to pass on tips about boat safety as responsible skippers,  by encouraging the younger children to sit down in the boat and wear a life jacket. The children have noticed that if they keep all the big fish they run out of fish to catch so have been letting some big ones go too as they lead their own learning around sustainable fishing.

Our children have been exploring this interest through all areas of play as they explore their working theories. They are enjoying sailing, creating outboard motors at the carpentry table, fishing, picnicking, snorkeling, making boats, weaving fish from harakeke and role playing being pirates on the high seas!

Through these imaginative games and thoughtful conversations our children are strengthening their communication skills and storytelling abilities. They are also building a deep connection with the natural world and exploring ideas around sustainability, responsibility and guardianship or our oceans. They are learning how to keep themselves and each other safe around the water too. We can see our future leaders in action and are very proud of them.