News And Events

Patterning Using Natural Resources

All strands of our Early Childhood Curriculum, Te Whāriki, are supported when children explore with natural resources. In particular, children’s developing knowledge of the natural resources available in our environment is supported in the Exploration strand. Children develop working theories for making sense of the natural and physical world.

They learn about the features of their natural environment, and develop a sense of respect and responsibility for natural resources. They also learn about the important qualities of their environment that are significant to their family and wider community. (Excerpt from Ministry of Education website).

Baskets of natural resources can be used for children to create patterns ranging from a simple stone- stick-stone pattern through to more complex patterning.  Our resource this month for Educators is flash cards demonstrating how patterning and shapes can be discovered in the natural world around us.