I believe (and research supports me on this) that time spent connecting with nature is crucial for children’s development and wellbeing.
Connecting with nature in your local green spaces has enormous benefits for tamariki and teachers alike. All curriculum areas, particularly STEM learning areas can be taught in highly engaging and effective ways. Nature is a rich context for the big ideas and for holistically integrating te ao Māori. It is a multi-sensory and fun learning environment, making tamariki more engaged and attentive. It is highly inclusive and supportive, meeting each child at their level. Nature connection inspires curiosity, creativity and a sense of joy and wonder, and has a calming effect on both tamariki and teachers. This, and many more benefits, lead to deep and meaningful learning, personal development and wellbeing.
Kia ora, I’m Kathy Broadhead – nature lover, nature education specialist and environmental educator. I am a trained teacher with a MEd, PGDip, BSc and over 20 years in a variety of education roles, most recently running my own Nature School. I am passionate about helping tamariki connect with, learn in and develop a love of nature and supporting teachers to do the same using nature as their classroom and co-teacher. My In-school Programme, PLD Programmes and Resource Kit have been developed from extensive experience and are designed specifically for New Zealand teachers and tamariki.
“We were blown away with the amazing resources and the professional development we received…we would highly recommend other educators take part” – Di & Mark
Learn more about my In-School and PLD Programmes HERE
