History on the Beach

We were privileged to have a local Howick historian, Alan, join us today for a fact-filled wander on the beach. Alan was full of interesting stories and a wealth of knowledge - I think us adults enjoyed listening to him as much as the children!

Come on a mini-tour with us...

The gun battery on the beach. This was built so the area could be protected from possible invaders in World War 2. We learned that when they wanted to show the big gun to a crowd of onlookers, it jammed! People also patrolled the cliffs and beach, carrying wooden rifles so they would look armed to anyone on ships.

So many shells and little creatures to discover. Do you remember what this is?

Treasures on the beach!

This squirter looked like a brain.

It's hard to believe that there were once a lot of boat sheds here. A terrible storm washed them all away.

A rock with its own moat!

Amazing things live under rocks.

Can you see the evidence of a long jetty from long ago?

Time to explore!

So much life on the bottom of a rock!

Out on the reef

It's more fun in the water.

Making great discoveries.

Play time!

Do you see the starfish?

Even the sea has grass!

Discovering...

We learned that Neptune's necklaces are hung up in some houses in Ireland. When they dry out, it's time for harvest.

Question for the day: How can feathers hold water without feeling wet?

Thank you so much, Alan, for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. We loved it!

In the afternoon, we thought more about history. What did people use before computers or electricity? I shared one of my favourite stories, 'Click Clack Moo', by Doreen Cronin, then we pretended to 'type' messages of thanks to Alan.

Some singing and a game of Frogs and Crocodile ended our day today. Thanks for joining us!

Next week, we'll work with another visitor, learning all about Maori culture. Yay!