Seedlings Nature Kindergarten opened in February 2015 by Tania Mitchell and Trina Upson. Seedlings was created when Tania and Trina had a dream to create an environment and community fully emerged in daily full connection with nature and each other.
Through our shared teaching and life philosophies we know that the natural environment is the ideal context to encourage children to be themselves, to explore, to experiment, to move and make the most of opportunities in a less-restricted manner. Access to daily outdoor play provides children with opportunities to learn and gain competence in a vast range of motor skills. This is particularly important during the early childhood years, a period that is hallmarked by significant development across all domains. Life is full of risks and our goal is to empower children to manage risk and keep risk in perspective. Without taking risks children would never even learn to walk. It is evident that children need the freedom to take risks in play because it allows them to continually test their physical, intellectual and developmental limits. Outdoor environments and surroundings like at Seedlings Nature Kindergarten act as a rich stimulus for creative thinking and learning. This affords opportunities for frequent unstructured play, challenge, enquiry, critical thinking and reflection. The kindergarten building will provide a daily ‘base’, however, some of the learning will take place over the hill in the orchard and garden areas and in and around the Huatoki Stream.
Seedlings Nature Kindergarten is licensed for 20 tamariki Monday - Friday during the primary school terms. Our sessions are from 9am to 3pm.
The Seedlings van Toyota Hiace van (2021) is available to pick up and drop of 8 tamariki each way. This is most enjoyed by tamariki and the connection grows stronger as tamariki know where each other live. The van is a rich place for conversation, joy and contemplation.
Kai
Having some kai, whether a snack or lunch is usually a social time. We choose when we need to eat, and then deciding if we'll have a picnic by the Rua ahi or sit around the tables on either the deck or inside in the kitchen. Our fridge enables tamariki to keep food cold when need and our fire in the lounge has an oven in it for reheating kai also. Cooking is also a big part of the curriculum; inspiration comes from the garden, the pantry and our puku/stomachs!
Play
At Seedlings we honour the natural urge to play and have an environment that satisfies these urges...from tumbling, spinning, running, throwing to enclosing, connecting, transforming and making huts! Play is the natural unfolding and expression of each individual, and at Seedlings this is respected and celebrated.
The Orchard
A few times a week we all walk over the hill to the orchard. We take the essentials with us, as well as our bags, and set up at base camp when we arrive. Tamariki are aware of their responsibilities in this environment and know where the Adult Explorers are positioned if they need support.
Natural Rhythms
There is a natural rhythm to our day at Seedlings. Time and space is available for our needs to be fulfilled. Tamariki develop their self-awareness and know when they need kai, rest, to expend energy and to play.
Papa-tū-ā-nuku
Being in nature enables us to recognise our connection to life and that we are life. To honour this we acknowledge all life in nature and celebrate soltices, equinoxes and other important dates to families.
Transitions
There is no rush or competition in our routines and rhythms of the day. Everything happens in its own time and we play together as a family. Rituals are a part of our day that brings meaning to the little things we do.