Karion & Umina Kids Klubs Animals

Our centre at Kariong is fortunate enough to be able to have a small petting zoo for the children as part of our licensed premises. The animals freely wander across the back fenced area of the playground and the children can see them at all times.
 We find that the animals provide the children with the opportunity to learn about caring for other living things, develop an awareness of natural environments, life cycles, empathy for others and sustainability.

Currently each age group looks after a particular animal (our babies look after our goats, the 2-3 year olds look after the rabbits, the 3-4 year olds look after the guinea pigs and our 4-5 year olds look after our chickens and worm farm) and this allows them to develop a deeper knowledge of the needs of that animals. As the children progress through the different age groups they are obviously then exposed to learning about the new animals.

The children also work together to understand what the different animals needs, for example, the 4-5 year olds asked the 2-3 year olds what the rabbits need to eat so that they can plant this in the new vegetable garden and we can become self sufficient in looking after the needs of our animals.

We also send our animals down for a visit at the Umina centre from time to time so that they too can see the animals grow and develop. We feel that allowing the children to learn about and care for another living thing develops a respect for all living things and encourages the children to be aware of their natural surroundings and how they as individuals can impact on the lives of others. It is both empowering and nurturing at the same time.