One of my favourite preschool ‘incursions’ would have to be a visit from the Wild Action ‘hands-on’ educational show. Chris Humphries established Wild Action in 1994 and has been presenting programs for preschool children for the last 16 years. Chris is a teacher and a zoologist, so he has the knowledge, plus an energy for entertaining that is pitched perfectly for this age group. As his business has expanded, Chris now focuses on maintaining his private zoo in the foothills of Mt Macedon, Victoria (Aust). But he has assembled a dedicated and lively team of entertainers and animal handlers well trained to carry-on the exciting shows that we have come to expect from Wild Action. If you would like more information about Wild Action, check out their website here!
Never a year goes by without a visit by Wild Action to our preschool. It is a unique experience that really captivates and enthralls children as well as acknowledging that they are intrinsically, ‘hand-on’ learners. During the show, the children encounter a variety of native Australian animals and even get the opportunity to touch and handle them.
The entertainers demonstrate a real love and respect for the animals in their care through ‘word’ of mouth and ‘action’. This same disposition seems to transfer to the children as they observe and begin to handle the animals themselves.
The entertainers fill the show with quick and dynamic little stories which impart a lot information to the children in a manner that they are able to absorb and retain.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity really. Rarely would children get to handle wild animals in this manner. And they are truly mesmerized!
I am a firm believer in sharing the wonders of nature with children. Why? Well firstly, research has over-whelming confirmed the direct benefits of ‘nature’ experiences on the health and well being of our children. In Richard Louv’s book, “The last Child in the Woods”, he highlights many of the twenty-first century health concerns currently facing our young, and suggests that many of these have arisen as children have become more and more alienated from the natural environment. He rather cleverly introduced the phrase ‘nature deficit disorder’. While not a ‘real’ medical condition as such, it does carry a strong message. Secondly, if we want children to grow up to be environmentally responsible adults, with a love, respect and desire to protect the natural environment and it’s inhabitants, then they really must be given direct experiences with it. You can only develop an emotional attachment to the natural environment, if you have been able to form a relationship with it.
The children handle animals that really should be left well alone if found out in the wild, and they are clearly reminded of that by the presenters. But through this show, it is hoped that the ‘fear’ element is reduced and replaced with a healthy, respect and sense of wonder and awe.
Now how often would you expect to see 5 year old children holding a python the size of this one! And they were smiling!
And we all know that we should never smile at a crocodile, but goodness me, these children are touching one!
Charlie said, “Wow… this is awesome!”
And here is our last little visitor for the day. This is an old man Koala (9 yrs) who we were told, had really struggled through this winter. The presenter indicated that they weren’t sure how many more winters he might be able to endure. Needless to say, my eyes brimmed with tears. I would have held him if I could, but laws in the state of Victoria must be adhered to. Sigh!
So this is as close as I could get!
