A Smart Water pilot in early childhood centres was so successful it’s been run again.
The 20-minute Smart Water show hosted by Chris Lam Sam (a former Funky Monkey) is all about water – what we use it for, the rain cycle, water songs and how to save water. The show, aimed at 3-5 year olds, took place around the Waikato district on 3 December, Waipā on 4 December and Hamilton on 5 December.
Smart Water Coordinator Michelle Templeton said the show aims to provide children a greater understanding of how water gets from source to tap and encourage them not to waste it.
“There are more than 300 early childhood centres in the sub-region and water play is a key part of the curriculum particularly in the summer time. Encouraging childcare centres to be mindful of their water use without compromising children’s play and learning experience could have huge water-saving potential”
The centres that participated really enjoyed the experience and learnt a lot about water, why it is precious and why we should look after it. Each child was given a pack including a resource booklet and a shower timer.
A Smart Water song and music video has also been developed for young children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMK9rg6ZWYI&feature=youtu.be
More smart water play ideas for children can be found on the Smart Water website http://www.smartwater.org.nz/smart-water-play
ENDS
A number of photos from the visits are available on request. The Smart Water show was held at the following ECEs:
Monday 3rd December
Taupiri Educare; Imagine Kids, Huntly; Suits & Gumboots, Pokeno; Tuakau Learning Centre
Tuesday 4th December
Crackerjacks, Te Awamutu; Te Awamutu Playcentre; Jump Start, Cambridge; Grow Early Cambridge
Wednesday 5th December
Sunshine Childcare Preschool, Te Rapa; Cumberland Early Childhood Education Centre, Rototuna; Active Explorers, Melville; Kindercare Thomas Road, Rototuna
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Jordan Smith | Hamilton City Council |07 838 6621
Teresa Hancock |Waikato District Council |027 706 5776
Simone van Asbeck | Waipa District Council | 027 564 7622
