Zimbabwe 2

Zimbabwe: Nursery/Preschool Learning Resources

Looking for learning resource inspiration? In this article, we’ll look at an extensive list of preschool/kindergarten learning resource ideas.

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Zimbabwe Nursery/Preschool Learning Resource Ideas

Zimbabwe offers a rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystem. A nursery/preschool incorporating the principles of Reggio, Steiner, and Montessori would greatly benefit from resources that reflect its unique environment and traditions.

New Resources

  1. Manipulatives & Sensorial Materials:
    • Montessori materials like the pink tower, broad stair, and geometric solids.
    • Wooden puzzles depicting Zimbabwean wildlife and landscapes.
    • Textured materials inspired by the Zimbabwean surroundings like the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, and Great Zimbabwe ruins.
  2. Language Materials:
    • Sandpaper letters in English and local languages like Shona and Sindebele.
    • Movable alphabets reflecting the same languages.
    • Reading kits based on Zimbabwean folklore and oral traditions.
  3. Practical Life Materials (Montessori):
    • Sets for food preparation of simple Zimbabwean treats like sadza (maize porridge) or roasted mopane worms.
    • Basic beadwork or weaving materials, highlighting Zimbabwe’s arts and crafts traditions.
  4. Mathematical Materials (Montessori & Waldorf):
    • Counting activities using elements like local seeds or traditional beads.
  5. Natural Materials:
    • Stones, leaves, and twigs from local parks or forests.
    • Sand and water from the Zambezi River.
  6. Arts and Crafts:
    • Soapstone carving kits, inspired by the Shona sculptures.
    • Materials for creating Mbira (thumb piano), a traditional Zimbabwean instrument.
  7. Music & Movement:
    • Local musical instruments like the Ngoma drum, hosho (maracas), and the Mbira.
    • Songs and dances reflective of the local cultures.
  8. Cultural & Science Materials (Montessori & Reggio):
    • Kits representing Zimbabwean wildlife like elephants, lions, or giraffes.
    • Materials to explore the Great Zimbabwe ruins or the rock paintings of Matobo Hills.
  9. Books & Literacy:
    • Zimbabwean children’s stories and folktales.
    • Books about traditional Zimbabwean ceremonies and rites.
  10. Outdoor Equipment:
    • Gardening tools to plant maize, millets, or indigenous trees.

Recycled Resources

  1. Old Clothes: Traditional Zimbabwean attire for role play and cultural exploration.
  2. Used Newspapers: Local newspapers for art, reading, and crafting activities.
  3. Cardboard Tubes or Boxes: Crafting and construction materials.
  4. Old Kitchen Tools: Especially those used in Zimbabwean cooking, like pestles, mortars, or grinding stones.
  5. Fabric Scraps: From batik or other local textile arts.

Local Resources & Crafts (Zimbabwe-specific)

  1. Shona Sculpture Kits: Introduction to soapstone carving.
  2. Basket Weaving: Materials and introductory kits for weaving traditional Zimbabwean baskets.
  3. Mbira Crafting Kits: Materials to make a basic thumb piano.
  4. Traditional Dolls: Handmade dolls wearing traditional attire.
  5. Pottery: Using Zimbabwean designs and techniques.
  6. Wooden Carvings: Reflecting local animals, symbols, or totems.

Incorporating these resources into the curriculum would enable the children to connect with their Zimbabwean roots, nature, and the wider world, while also ensuring a comprehensive early education based on Reggio, Steiner, and Montessori principles.

 

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Location

Zimbabwe