Mural a learning experience for kids

Photo: IMOGEN NEALE

RIGHT ON TRACK: Takanini School’s junior students and staff all picked up a paintbrush to complete their train of life mural.

Young students at Takanini School have translated their school motto into a mural masterpiece and entered it in a national competition.

The motto is he huarahi hei hauora - on track for life - so chugging its way along the school's back fence is a 20-carriage "train of knowledge".

The carriages are filled with children's book characters, sports gear, healthy food and art equipment - all the things they'll use on their learning journey.

Teacher Patsi Davies says the mural also fits in with the school's surroundings.

"The train tracks are nearby and we're always talking about train safety," she says.

The mural was designed by part-time art teacher Wilma Sinclair but the painting was left to the junior school staff and students.

"Every junior child and every junior teacher painted something," Mrs Davies says.

Seven-year-old Rohan Singh enjoyed painting the train - even if he did get paint all over himself.

"I had a big t-shirt on."

The colourful masterpiece has been entered into Resene's national Mural Masterpieces competition.

The winning school receives $1000 of Resene paint and "a basket of goodies for the team". If Takanini School wins it will be a very big gift basket.

Visit www.resene.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News