What to do With a Wiggling Wombat
by Linda Dennis
 the inaugural "Wiggling Wombat" at Trinity pre-school in Orange, NSW.  Story Time Trinity pre-school in Orange, NSW.  Class photo Trinity pre-school in Orange, NSW.  Class 3/4 Drummond Memorial School in Armidale, NSW.  ClassK12 (kindy and Y1 and Y2 of infants), Gum Flat Public School near Inverell, NSW.  Class K12 group photo, Gum Flat Public School.  Class 345 (Yrs 3, 4 & 5 of primary school Gum Flat Public School near Inverell NSW. | There are two sessions of "Wiggling Wombat", one for pre-schoolers and one directed at children in infants and primary school. Although titled "Wiggling Wombat" the course covers all native animals including birds, kangaroos, reptiles, koalas, and of course wombats! The course includes the following topics:
In the fun filled program Linda shares stories of some of the native animals that have been in her care over the 20 years she's been a wildlife carer. There was also a "take a wild guess" competition using photographs and the wonderful native animal soft toys that were donated to the program by the Australian Geographic Society and Mink Plush (a Division of TomFoolery Holdings Pty Ltd). Bookmarks featuring native animals, chocolate Freddo Frogs, Caramelo Koalas and Fruity Frogs are given as prizes. During the competition Linda also displayes how to properly handle a native animal so that the handler and the animal are not injured. She also advises what the "nasty bits" are in each animal species, such as claws and teeth (and in the male Platypuses case - the poisonous spurs!). The two hour long presentation has the kids transfixed and keen to learn more. An eight page booklet titled "What to do with a Wiggling Wombat" is also eagerly received. This mini-manual, which details correct handling technique, is distributed to all students for them to take home and share with their families. The Fauna First Aid program is not only fun for participants but also educational and in the long run our precious native animals will benefit from Linda's knowledge sharing. The more the community knows about rescuing and providing short term care for native animals the better. And in the end, from a combined community effort, there will be more animals that are received into care and rehabilitated by experienced wildlife carers, resulting in more animals being returned to the bush…… which is exactly where they belong. If you would like to book a Fauna First Aid session for your school or community group please contact Linda at linda@fourthcrossingwildlife.com. Quotes from schools where Wiggling Wombat has been presented "Thank you so much for visiting 3/4 at Drummond Memorial Public School. The children found your talk very engaging and informative. The children loved the assortment of Australian animal toys you had and seeing and hearing the animals in your interactive whiteboard presentation. We are now regular visitors to your website and have enjoyed reading the animal's stories. The syllabus links with our unit were excellent as you brought our unit to life and the children could identify with the issues that humans present to the native wild life. The students were fascinated by the different types of wombat and many went on to further research the wombats. We enjoyed the talk and hope to have you back soon." Jennifer Andrews Act. Assistant Principal Drummond Memorial Public School "Fourth Crossing Wildlife presented their Australian Wildlife show at our school recently. Two multi stage groups participated and each show was engaging to all students. The models and whiteboard display were first class as was the visit of the baby wombat which was in care at that time. Our children reacted with interest to Linda's line of discussion and questioning and they were keen to follow-up with the work materials left after the visit. INTERESTING, ENGAGING AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE - we could not ask for much more" Chisholm Bloch Principal Gum Flat Public School |