Kindy Daily

A hands-on Daffodil Day at kindy

It’s Daffodil Day, and Kidsfirst Parklands has gone all-out yellow to show their support for the Cancer Society. There’s no shortage of whakamanamana as tamariki got busy baking biscuits, mixing gloop, building with Lego, painting daffodils and setting balloons bobbing around the room. Tamariki and whānau have been generous with their koha which will be taken to the Cancer Society this afternoon. Manaakitanga sits at the heart of everything at Parklands, and days like today are a lovely, hands-on way to share it – aroha mai, aroha atu 💛🌼

Celebrating Tongan culture

Mālō e lelei from Kidsfirst Niu, where Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea faka-Tonga, Tongan Language Week, was a cause for celebration. From Monite to Falaite there was songs and music filling the kindy, shared kai laid out for everyone to enjoy, and a warm welcome for visitors. Ngā mihi to everyone who gave their time to make it such a special week, and Lea faka-Tonga he ‘aho kotoa pe – Tongan language every day 🇹🇴❤️

Kaitiakitanga in the garden

It’s all about kaitiakitanga at Kidsfirst Phillipstown, where tamariki, whānau and kaiako came together to refresh the kindy garden with lettuce, spinach, broccoli and other delicious kai. Tending and tasting from their own māra helps grow curiosity, confidence and those all‑important garden‑to‑table moments. A steaming hot bowl of kindy soup was the perfect way to share the fruits of past mahi. Ka mau te wehi, Kidsfirst Phillipstown – what an awesome way to live kaitiakitanga 🪴❤️☀️

Fun, no matter the weather!

No matter the weather, the winter term at Kidsfirst Sunbeam is all about getting into the good stuff – play, learning, and time together. With a Big Backyard made for climbing, running and practising kaitiakitanga, there’s always lots to do. Inside, creative inspiration, kōrero and storytelling are everywhere, all driven by the interests of tamariki and fostered by fully qualified, registered kaiako. It’s a great time of year to be at kindy 😃🎨🌳

Selwyn Street shares its aroha

Tuākana/Tēina at Nuffield

Tuākana/Tēina is a big focus at Kidsfirst Nuffield, with tamariki watching and learning from older primary school children. They’ve been using a variety of YouTube videos featuring more experienced tamariki in order to learn a new waiata-ā-ringa together. Kaiako have also been practising their own moves, much to the amusement of tamariki. It’s the concept of ako – where everyone, no matter who, is a learner. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Nuffield, that’s some awesome mahi ❤️🎵

Hāwea’s winter mandala

A special mandala in Kidsfirst Hāwea’s Big Backyard welcomed in the Winter Solstice last term. Influenced by the changing season, this striking artwork, crafted with plenty of kaiako and tamariki manaakitanga, became a place for reflection and gratitude. Tamariki shared what they were thankful for – from whānau to rainbows and sunshine, and even unicorns and dinosaurs ✨ Ka rawe te mahi koutou, what a wonderful way to embrace the chillier weather ❄️❤️

High flying learners

Celebrating kotahitanga at kindy

At Kidsfirst, we weave culture into every day, and at this time of year when Matariki is top of mind, there is even more emphasis on our shared cultures. Kidsfirst Greymouth have been celebrating coming together by creating a feather-like kākahu. With manaakitanga and whanaungatanga guiding their mahi, the experience allowed the kindy whānau to embrace kotahitanga, celebrate and remember, and look forward to the future. Kei runga noa atu, Kidsfirst Greymouth ❤️⭐️

Shared aroha and learning