We love watching the birds. We will sit very quietly at a short distance, as we know that if we come too close, or make too much noise, the birds will fly away. Sometimes we don’t notice the birds when we are too busy, but when we keep still and just observe them we discover a lot of things about the birds. We notice how their colours, sizes, sounds, and way of eating are different.
Sensorial experiences are of vital importance for the development of the child. Whilst the children love matching the birds with the pictures in the bird book, trying to find out what the names of the birds are, knowing the bird names is by far less important as sitting quietly and observing and listening to the birds. Connecting with the senses and marveling at nature is not rocket science. Our teachers do not have a degree in ornithology to go birdwatching with our children. The only thing you need to do is to “just notice”, to be aware, to be open to what is happening right here and then in front of you. The sparrow taking a bath in the puddle, the tui calling out in the kowhai tree, the waxeyes eating the little berries. Slow down and look at them, marvel at them with your child. It is the simple authentic experiences that feed their heart.
- Anja
