Manu of Aotearoa colouring
Combine some colouring with some taiao time, or any way you think will support tamariki to sink into a flow state and chillax.
Firstly, the science...
There's something about getting out the crayons or pencils and just letting your mind relax as you fill in those little spaces. It's like a form of meditation, helping tamariki (or anyone) to de-stress and unwind from the day.
Colouring can also be a wee mood booster. It can help us focus our mind on something positive and relaxing, giving us a break from any worries or negative thoughts.
Why this activity?
Combine some colouring with some taiao time, or any way you think will support tamariki to sink into a flow state and chillax... Because we all need to sometimes.
You'll need
To print this Aotearoa Manu colouring and to get the pencils, crayons or felts out.
What to do
Our Aotearoa Manu colouring is a great way for tamariki to connect with our native wildlife while being able to get artistic.
Beyond colouring here’s a few other ideas to make this more engaging or interactive:
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tamariki could connect their pictures as a wall collage
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or play the 3 marker challenge! Each ākonga can use only 3 colours, then after 5 minutes, they pass their picture on to someone with a different 3 colours and continue until each picture is mixed with colour and each ākonga artistic flair. Remember to name the backs if they’re going to be gifted back to the originator!
To continue this activity place ākonga in small groups to research the manu on their colouring sheet. They may examine aspects of manu such as their habitat, diet, prey, their song or call, and whether and why these manu might need protecting, and what tamariki could do to support this cause.
Whānau engagement
Send one home for whānau too!
And to add to this...
Use this activity as a lead into Kaitiaki champions, an activity all about how we can protect and care for the environment around us.
Whānau engagement
Personal Health and physical development: A1 - Personal growth and development
