Games that Rock
During the Month of June, the pre-prep class has been exploring the varied uses for rocks as part of the Centre’s Nature Inspired Learning opportunities.
Rocks are often classified as a loose part within the early childcare environment. It’s something that will help children inspire imagination and creativity on their own terms and in their own unique way. Loose parts create endless possibilities and invite creativity.
When a child picks up a rock and starts to play, that rock can become anything the child wants it to be.
In the classroom rocks are being used for counting, stacking and with other materials such as playdough, it is only when they are used outside in nature that their true potential can be unlocked.
Rocks are great for;
- Throwing;
- rolling;
- Kicking; and
- Banging together.
They heat up in the sun, become glossy when wet or change colour.
Small rocks and pebbles have been used in childhood games long before the introduction of plastic and wooden resources.
They are easily sourced and depending on the type of rock, very durable.
The class has been playing different traditional indigenous games which used rocks as the main component.
Nandrra-ran
The game is named after the Diyari language of South Australia word nandrra-rna, which means ‘to hit’. A marble game in which players attempt to hit marbles out of a small circle of another player .
We-me
The Walbiri people of central Australia played a stone-bowling game. One player rolled a stone, which was used as a target by the second player. In the traditional game players alternated turns, with each one aiming at the other’s stone.
Juluhya
Juluhya is played by Bundjalung children of the coastal region on the boarder of Queensland and New South Wales. It is a rolling game using small pebbles to roll down a tube (traditionally made from sheets of bark), similar to that of a marble run.
Discoveries
These games have taught the children that picking the biggest and heaviest rock is not always the best option.
The size and weight of a pebble must be carefully considered for the intended purpose.
Through trial and error, the child discovered that;
- Rounded pebbles rolls faster;
- Flat pebbles are better for throwing; and
- Heavy large rocks are best for knocking out an opponent’s rock.
The class has enjoyed using rocks as part of their play and will continue to explore new and innovative way to incorporate them into their play.
That’s all from Miss Patti and the Sea turtles (Pingins) until next time.
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