Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JULY 31, 1950 STUDY OF NATURE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 76, 31 July 1950, Page 4

Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JULY 31, 1950

STUDY OF NATURE

There is no telling how far the experiment now being conducted in nature study by the Whakatane Primary School and the local district Government ranger will benefit the children but, one thing is certain and that is it will probably be of more practical use than the rather dull tracts of the subject they have had to wade through in the past. It was an enterprising idea by the school and the ranger and up to the present it seems to be a good one. Only one class is taking this study but their reactions are to be watched and, if favourable, it is likely that other classes will be taught on similar lines. Educational authorities have been very enthusiastic about the scheme.

Apart from those who live in the country or those people who are interested in nature few New Zealanders know much about the creatures and bush life of their own country. It is something not to be proud of and the Whakatane experiment should be a move in the direction to correct this deficiency in our education. The study of wild life, the story of streams and the land are fascinating ones and the Whakatane class has found this out. They have found that there is more adventure in nature about them than in the Saturday afternoon western movie—and it is more pleasant being out in the open air. Even the considered “toughs” of the class have become interested and this, to the instructors, is an encouraging sign that the outside study of nature must have a universal appeal to children.

From this early study by children it is not unreasonable to suggest that perhaps the erosion problem may be solved by the young. Let them grow up to be aware of the erosion danger and ways it may be prevented and then the future of New Zealand should not be so dark. The same can be said for wild life. These children will now learn the various stages of wild life. Why the country has insects and birds and fish. The good they do and their importance to the welfare of the land. They will learn that even the common, despised eel has a greater purpose in life than that of hunting trout. The possibilities in this outside study are immense and show signs of a greater benefit not only to the children but also to the Dominion as a whole. The combination of the local ranger with the school shows that not just one but two State departments are interested in the education of children. The experiment bodes well for the future and could be adopted in other centres. The combination of the schoolmaster with his training in teaching and. the ranger with his long experience

I and technical knowledge should ! be able to make the study _ of 'nature, an interesting and important subject to the children. The Whakatane experiment will be watched with interest. i There is no reason why it should not succeed.