A number of wonderful creatures were spotted by the learners, including many land crabs, a Purple Gallinule, Masked weavers, bright red dragon flies, locusts, a dune mole rat and, best of all, a beautiful little leopard toad.
A week later, the children came together again to create portraits and totem poles representing the life in the wetlands. Children were encouraged to draw a food web showing two or three creatures in their wetland habitats. Their creativity and powers of observation were clearly displayed. Art is a a very effective way of encouraging children to pay attention to nature, and to develop a relationship with and understanding of nature. By working with colours, composition, and patterns, learners internalize lessons about how nature lives in balance as a community.
Thanks to the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust, managed by Nedbank Private Wealth, for sponsoring our environmental education work with local primary schools.