An "a-peeling" Idea from Rural Scholars

Early this year Rural Scholars Early Learning Centre in Waimate borrowed an apple peeling machine from the WAVE resource centre. Wow, what a time we had with it! We found that the tamariki/children were really interested in how this machine peeled and cut their apples. It was not long before we were using the WAVE dehydrator as well to complement this. The tamariki/children seemed to eat more apples when they were prepared using the apple peeling machine, and every part of the apple was being eaten. The tamariki/children were always asking for more ‘apple spaghetti', which is what they called the peeled skin of their apples.

Because of the great interest and delight of using these peelers and the healthy outcomes for tamariki/children and whanau, we decided that we would sell them as a fundraiser for our centre. These peelers have been very popular and can be used for more than just apples. We have used them to peel potatoes, pears, beetroot, onions and other firm fruit. It only takes a few minutes to core, peel and slice enough apples to make a healthy apple crumble.

We have been told that they are great for people who have trouble biting into apples, such as people with dentures, braces or younger children. We have found tamariki and adults of all ages find these wee machines amazing. These make a wonderful family gift and are a perfect Christmas present for the person who has everything.  Cost is $30.

If you are interested in a peeler please contact:

Rural Scholars Early Learning Centre

Ph. 03 689 6103 or 027 2281458

Email: ruralscholars@xtra.co.nz

We will deliver in South Canterbury.

John Street Kindergarten, Waimate

This term we have had a focus on our bodies and skeletons, and the children have been learning the names of bones, their function and how many we have.  This was supported with a visit to St John Ambulance where Mr Bootsman showed us a real skeleton!  The children then put together their own skeleton models, which have made a fantastic display around kindergarten.  This has provided us with an awesome opportunity to further extend our children's knowledge of their bodies and how to keep themselves healthy.

The children have really enjoyed doing waiata and action songs about the body, and with the help of a parent we have been learning new waiata to support this interest.

As the colder weather has approached, we have been doing lots of active movement outside with some great equipment provided by WAVE. The hurdles, ladders, and balance beams have been well utilised.  The children have been putting together their own challenge courses and are becoming competent at challenging their own abilities!  Thank you to WAVE for continued support of our programme.