On Tuesday March 25th we were lucky enough to visit the Martinborough Volunteer Fire Brigade. As you can imagine there was an awful lot of excitement during the proceeding walk! We were welcomed by Station Manager Richard Geisler and Firefighter Chantelle.
The children waited with baited breath as the giant doors were rolled up and there gleaming behind them were 2 shiny red trucks.
Rick talked to the children about the important jobs Firefighters do in our community before handing over to Chantelle who got dressed in full safety kit, (albeit at a slower pace than usual for our benefit!) All the while explaining the function of each component as she put it on.
When the time came for the breathing apparatus to go on, some of the children got a fright but the majority of them were intrigued – especially when Chantelle’s kind voice came out from behind the mask.
At this stage she got down to the children’s levels and handed out “high 5’s” to those brave enough to go and get one!
Rick talked about the importance of the children being able to relate to Firefighters, and becoming familiar with their appearance and the noises and sounds. Unfortunately in a fire or emergency a child’s natural defence mechanism may be to hide so by educating them at this pre school age it hopefully takes away some of the apprehension and fright tendencies.
We finished our visit by being able to look around the trucks and jump up into the backseats, wow what a treat!
Learning links from our visit:
Well-being/Mana Atua – their health and safety is promoted
Belonging /Mana Whenua– links between their socio-dramatic pretend playing at being Firefighters within the early childhood environment is linked and extended by visiting a working firestation.
Family and Community/ Whanau Tangata – connecting links with the wider community are extended and affirmed.
Special thanks to Rick and Chantelle for sharing their time with us and to Honor Clark for organising.
Other news:
The start of March also saw Playcentre Awareness week, which is a time for promoting Playcentre and celebrating what we are about – essentially, the opportunity for children to learn through child initiated play in a mixed age environment alongside their whanau.
During the week Honor and Charlotte visited book babies and took over Janet’s job for a little bit, reading a storybook called “What did you at Playcentre today.” This book is all about the great activities and learning that takes place at Playcentre.
We also offered a mini play session after Tippy Toes toddler gym on Friday the 7th of March. Providing playdough, messy “gloop” play and some physical/gross motor skills equipment to showcase some of the cool things we do.
Our sessions run Monday – Wednesdays during term time from 9am – 12pm. We are licensed for children 0-6years All Wecome. Phone 3069068 during these times for more info.
