Researching Life Cycles at Central Kids Apanui

This term the children’s interest in the living world has taken us on a journey of learning all about life cycles.  They have been captivated in observing and researching the life cycles of plants, butterflies and chickens.

To enhance children’s understanding we have been providing lots of hands on learning opportunities which include children planting their own seeds to take home, growing swan plants where we can watch the caterpillar transform itself into a butterfly and hatching chicken eggs in an incubator.

It has been exciting to see the curiosity and wonderment of these experiences ignite children’s thirst for knowledge and understanding.  The children know they need to tread careful to help care for our world and are developing the knowledge to nurture it.  The pictures are two of our chicks we hatched.  The chicks are happy and settled in the children’s hands and are trusting of the children.

At Central Kids Apanui animals are an important part of our programme.  Along with caring for our baby chicks, we also have two rabbits and a glorious fish tank inhabited by five very hungry fish.  The bond and relationship children form with animals is beneficial in helping to build a sense of empathy and respect.  We see what a calming influence our animals have on our children and how nurturing and settled they are in their company.