Te Whenua Term 2 Kaupapa

 Every Tuesday this term Korimako have gone out to visit the beautiful ginko tree out by the courts. There is a mataī tree in there too and a smaller kawakawa and they all stand alongside a number of tōtara and pōhutukawa.

Each week we notice what has been happening to the leaves. We look at the coverage and what colours we see both on the tree and on the ground. We head under the tree and pick up the fallen leaves. We look for their colours, shapes and sizes. Then, those who want to, throw them as high as they can. Why? It is fun but we can also feel the leaves, feel their weight and see them up close and really get to know them. Each week we have done this. 10 weeks in total.

We have noticed that over time the leaves on the tree and the ground have changed colour. After lots of golds, oranges and browns week after week this week we have mainly all shades of brown. The fallen leaves ( leaf litter) are decomposing. They are sludgy, soggy and heavy. They are returning to the soil to feed the trees.

Over this time we have got to know about the value of worms and how essential they are to the well being of us all. We have found baby trees growing under the big parent trees. We have noticed the dahlias disapear for the winter and thought about why. We have spent time in the mara and noticed what is happening from week to week.

Most importantly we have spent time in nature and recognised how beautiful it is. We have breathed the fresh air. Our bare feet and bare hands have allowed us to get to know Te Whenua. We slowed down and looked carefully.