Some of the most magical moments at Bush Kindy and Bush School are the unexpected encounters with creatures of the forest, animals, plants or fungi that we are unaware even live in that environment.  The children have a brief opportunity to observe and interact with the creature in its natural setting, which can be quite different to coming across it in our domestic environments.

An example of this happened last Friday.  Clare unfolded a tarpaulin as we were having our Morning Circle, only for a small Huntsman Spider to drop to the ground.  After a couple of attempts to pick it up, it scurried away across the ground in search of a safe haven.  Then Clare discovered a much larger, rather magnificent, Mother Huntsman Spider, also hiding in the creases of the tarpaulin.  It dropped to the ground, and there was much pretend screaming and general excitement as it stood still, presumably trying to work out its next move.  I was able to scoop the Mother Huntsman on to a piece of bark and place her safely on the trunk of a nearby tree.

After everyone settled down and we were able to finish our morning circle, the children had the opportunity to observe the Magnificent Mother Huntsman Spider, at first rather cautiously and then, for the braver ones, up real close.  Please enjoy these images of that magical encounter.