Kia ora e te whānau
We hope level 2 is going well for you and your students and that you are all settling into a new normal. Last week, you told us that you liked the 5 activities for 5 days edition of Pitopito Kōrero, focused around the 5 ways to wellbeing from the Mental Health Foundation.
So, in this edition of Pitopito Kōrero we bring you 4 activities for the 4 weeks of June to support you and your students to bring nature into your learning. These activities all support World Environment Day which takes place on the 5th June 2020.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact us if you require any advice or have any feedback about this newsletter or our resources.
When you feel ready - we would love to hear your stories about learning and connecting with nearby nature.
4 activities for 4 weeks
Week 1. Young Ocean Explorers
Bring the ocean to your classroom
Young Ocean Explorers aim to capture imaginations through great storytelling, bringing the beauty, awe and fascination of the ocean and its inhabitants alive.
If you want to go further with an inquiry on our oceans, check out the DOC Protect our marine world education resource.
Find a topic that suits your students
There are numerous topics available to explore, including the new 'Live in Lockdown' series - where Steve and Riley interview inspirational New Zealanders working to help protect our marine world.
All the topics, created by the Young Ocean Explorer team aim to inspire students to love their ocean through entertaining educational videos.
Start a class and try out an assignment
Focused around the incredible videos and topics available, create your own fun and interactive assignments or try out one of the already created ones. There are so many to choose from, 'Beat plastic pollution', 'Stars of a marine reserve' or take a look at 'Seabirds'.
Sign up to the 21 Day Challenge
Created by teachers, for teachers, join thousands of students as they simultaneously participate in the pre-planned 21 day guided inquiry going live for the lead up to the America's Cup Finals.
Week 2. Nature Connectors
Activities to get your students having fun and learning in nature
Created for teachers and students by the Kids Greening Taupō team - a one-stop-shop of free, easy to use activities to pick up and run with. Each activity links to more resources that support it and provide ideas for ways to adapt or extend it. Get your students outside and connecting with nature throughout June (and beyond).
Week 2 is also NZ's 'Be with a Tree' week
5 - 14th June 2020
This years theme is all about connecting with nature by thinking about how trees make us feel! Download this poster and get your students to have a kōrero about trees.
Week 3. Explore the night sky
Activities for the shortest days of the year
The activities below are great for getting started on an inquiry into the nights sky. Take this activity into July - Matariki or Puanga / Puaka will return from the 13th –16th July 2020. Check out the TKI Matariki webpage to find out how you and your class can bring the Māori New Year into your teaching and learning.
Track the phases of the moon using this printable worksheet & activity.
Identify star constellations using this printable star wheel template & activity.
Explore the night sky directly above you using this night sky map.
Listen to the sounds of the night & record them in this 'Listening' poem template.
Week 4. Garden Bird Survey
27th June - 5th July 2020.
There are lots of activities and resources to keep everyone entertained with this citizen science project on the Manaaki Whenua - Garden Bird Survey website. Birds are an important indicator of a healthy environment so help discover and learn more about NZ garden birds by taking part as a class - your counts will make a difference!
Want to go further with an inquiry on NZ birds? Check out the DOC Experiencing Birds education resource
Find teacher instructions on the Garden Bird Survey, including this NZ bird poster on the Manaaki Whenua site.
That's a wrap for this edition!
We will catch you again at the end of Term 2 with the stories and photos you share with us (want to share your stories - see below) as well as some tips for planning in Term 3.
Any questions before then - get in touch at conserved@doc.govt.nz
Mā te taiao, kia whakapakari tōu oranga. Let nature in, strengthen your wellbeing.
The DOC Outreach and Education team
Share your learning in nature stories and ideas!
Can you share with us?
We would love to hear your stories and see how you and your students are connecting with your local nature.
We will share your photos and stories in our next newsletter to help inspire others to enjoy their local nature and look after their well-being.
Young people enjoying nearby nature