In my centre I have discovered that finding 'technology' is difficult in the outdoors. This is because we often focus on technology beings computers and electronics. However if we look at the equipment we have in the outdoor area for the children we can see that they are all made by technology and are in themselves a form of technology. In this picture you see that there are only a few children playing on the jungle gym where as the majority of the tamariki at our centre would prefer to RUN I believe that open spaces provide this for tamariki, this gives them an opportunity to run races, play tiggy, or follow the leader, play rough and tumble and to interact with nature. According to Richardson (2006) "Young children need challenges and risk within aframe of security and safety. The outdoor environment leads itself to offering challenges, helping children about being safe and to be aware of others" (p.9). A spacious environment provides these opportunities for these kind of games.Children show growing self-esteem as they engage in new challenges and recognise their own growth and accomplishments.Te Whaariki states "Young children need to be able to set and meet their own challenges, become aware of their limits and push their abilities (at their own pace) to be prepared to make mistakes, and experience the pleasure of feeling capable and competent" (p.87). I always praise tamariki for giving it ago especially tamariki that don't show a lot of enthusiasm because of their size, I truly believe that encouraging and supporting children helps them develop confidence to believe in themselves with their teachers and this will helps them to conquer any obstacles that are in their way during their Tumeke journey, I believe tamariki develop increasing control over their bodies, including development of locomotor skills non locomotor skills, manipulative skills and increasing agility, co-ordination and balance. Out door play enhances children's intellectual and cognitive development.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whaariki; He Whaariki matuaranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa.Wellington; Learnig Media.
Kia ora Alex, I like the way you use the outdoors in your reflection. It is important to have a great deal of space for tamariki to run and play. Have you thought about concentrating on one piece of technology in the outdoors, for example the monkey bars? It could help you to go more in depth about how the children use different technology and if you have a passion for the outdoors it can enhance the reader's enthusiasm to utilize equipment or natural resources. Great start.
ReplyDeleteI also think you might want to look at different forms of literature to back up your reflection other than just Te Whāriki, as it will make your points more valid.
DeleteHI Alex, good thinking of recognising technology in the outdoor space. Outdoor play is very significant for young children’s learning and development. They develop many developmental tasks including exploring, risk-taking, fine and gross motor skills and can be most effectively learned through outdoor play. This is where the Piaget’s belief that ‘children learn through play’. You could create an obstacle course for children which it will gives you more idea on how vital technology for outdoor. Tino pai Alex
ReplyDeleteKiaora Alex,
ReplyDeleteI love what you did in this activity, which encourages the children to develop their developmental skills to their capacity. Where they are not afraid to take risks, therefore this can lead to a child becoming so confident, healthy in mind, body and spirit. I've never look at the outdoor being a technology but you have opened my eyes to these new things where I can try and encourage more at my centre. Love how you use the outdoor in your reflection because children love to be in a space where they can move around freely, and try out new tactics and moves which it can help with their muscle development and fine motor skills.
Kapai!
Hi Alex
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed that fact that you encouraged the children to go outdoors and explore the outdoors. I also noticed that there was a playground outside which is fantastic in regards to technology the children are able to climb, slide and swing on a range of technology that we see in the playground. Great idea Alex as I'm sure that the children would have loved it outside interacting and increasing their muscle development as Ana has mentioned in her feedback.
Kei te pai to mahi.