Marty is Tops at Christchurch day nursery

Tops Day Nurseries believe that it is important to make their children aware of the different kinds of disabilities and accept them, as well as providing the children with ways to overcome barriers they may face themselves and Marty Mouse helped to do this.

As Marty is unable to speak and can’t see very well, the children talked about how they could help Marty and include him in their activities.

Following Marty’s visit to Tops Christchurch, nursery manager Jenny Hawley said, “The children were very caring and compassionate towards Marty, they were aware of Marty’s disabilities and proceeded to hold Marty’s hand to guide him around the nursery, telling him to ‘be careful up the steps’ and watch his giant ears when passing through doorways.”

“The children discussed how to care for others who may need additional support. One child from the pre-school room mentioned how she had ‘poorly eyes’ but now she has glasses they are fixed. This sparked a discussion on how Marty could wear some glasses to support his vision too.

“One child said ‘we have to look after Marty because he can’t see, but I held his hand so he doesn’t fall over’ whilst another commented ‘Marty Mouse can’t talk, but he has big ears to listen with’

“The children also showed Marty their mark making skills in the sand pit, using sticks to create lines and letters. They encouraged Marty to try this activity, knowing that he is unable to speak the children decided this could be another way to communicate with him.

“I am extremely proud of how well the children dealt with Marty’s abilities,” said Jenny. “The children worked together on how to show Marty their favourite areas to play in, such as the water wall and mud kitchen. Since Marty’s visit, the children have been a lot more understanding of each other’s needs and show compassion to everyone around them, which is so lovely to see.”