Arboretum Adventure:

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Each month, we take our older children who attend on Tuesdays on a special nature-based excursion. These outings provide rich, hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Research consistently highlights the numerous benefits of nature-based play, showing that regular exposure to outdoor environments supports children's overall health and well-being. Engaging with nature has been linked to improved physical fitness, enhanced immune function, and better emotional regulation. Additionally, outdoor exploration stimulates cognitive growth, creativity, and problem-solving skills, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Spending time in nature encourages children to take risks, develop confidence, and strengthen their social skills through collaborative play. Whether they are climbing trees, building huts, or discovering local flora and fauna, these experiences cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around them.

We are incredibly fortunate to have access to a forest right in our backyard! This allows us to make the most of our natural surroundings, providing children with endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. By immersing them in nature, we are not only supporting their immediate learning but also fostering a lifelong love and respect for the environment.

We will take a group of 10 children on a monthly walk to the University’s Arboretum, located at the end of Farm Road (next to the BHU unit), approximately a 20–30-minute walk from our preschool. Our goal is to immerse ourselves in nature for a full day each month, providing children with meaningful outdoor experiences.

During these excursions, children will have the opportunity to deepen their connection with nature, explore their surroundings, and make discoveries in the natural world. Activities may include exploring the area, building huts, climbing trees, learning about Māori myths and legends, and engaging in many other exciting experiences driven by the children’s interests.

We will capture our adventures through photos to share and document our learning. Families are welcome to join us on these outings.

Our excursions will take place on the last Tuesday of each month from February to November. We will leave the centre at approximately 9:30 AM and return by 2:30 PM. Children should bring their bags with a packed lunch (please, no hot lunches on these days), extra clothing, a drink, a hat, a jacket, and any other weather-appropriate items. We will go in all weather conditions, so please ensure your child is dressed accordingly (e.g., warm clothing during winter months).

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Jazzy Gym:

‍session for children aged 2-4 years old

At LUECC, we offer a one-hour Jazzy Gym session every Tuesday during the school term as part of our curriculum for children aged 2–4 years. Held at the Lincoln University Recreation Centre, this regular excursion provides valuable opportunities for physical development and movement learning. A small fee applies, which will be added to your invoice each term. How do children benefit from this session: •Whanaungatanga (relationships): Jazzy gym sessions provide opportunities for young children to interact with their peers in a structured environment. This helps them learn important social skills such as taking turns, sharing, cooperating, communicating with others, and building a sense of belonging through these relationships.

• AKO (learn): Participating in Jazzy gym sessions can also support cognitive development in young children. Activities like following instructions, spatial awareness (understanding how their bodies move in space), and problemsolving (figuring out how to navigate obstacles or challenges) can help develop cognitive skills.

• Physical Development: Jazzy gym session aids in the physical development of young children by promoting gross motor skills such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing. These activities help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and enhance overall physical fitness.

• Manaakitanga (care and respect): Jazzy gym sessions positively impacts children’s emotional well-being by promoting feelings of happiness, confidence, and self-esteem. Additionally, overcoming challenges and achieving goals during Jazzy gym sessions can boost a child's sense of accomplishment and resilience.

Overall, Jazzy gym sessions for children aged 2-4 years old serve the purpose of promoting holistic development by addressing physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs. They provide numerous benefits that contribute to a child's overall well-being and development during their formative years.