Rutherford Primary students learn about their history

Warm exercise: Abby Ferrall, 5, plays old-style padder tennis.

Children at Rutherford Primary School enjoy a hands on approach to history lessons.

They've just joined staff celebrating Old Te Atatu Day by dressing and behaving the way their forebears did.

Principal Michelle Bacon says the event is designed to teach students about their own area and its history.

"So often we would teach kids all sorts of other histories - but they don't know about their own community," she says.

Western Leader

Wonder of washing: Kiara Padayatchi, 7, tries washing clothes - the old fashioned way.

Photos: Rani Timoti