Kindy Daily

Shared aroha and learning

Welcoming in Matariki

There’s been plenty of whakamanamana at Kidsfirst Parklands, with tamariki and kaiako busy putting together a special breakfast, concert, disco and PJ day over the past few weeks. They’ve been exploring this special time of year through art, music and books, learning about the nine stars and their meanings, and sharing in the joy and significance of Matariki. The kindy also had the opportunity to be part of Parkview School’s hāngi on Tuesday, adding to the sense of connection and celebration. Hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua – look to the past in order to forge the future – whanaungatanga and coming together to celebrate Matariki has been at the heart of it all for Kidsfirst Parklands.

Stars shining at Linwood

Celebrating with kai and karakia

Giving it a spin

There was a blur of movement and a flurry of excitement at Kidsfirst Edmonds Smith Street when the hula-hoops came out. One tamaiti stepped up as rangatira to show the others how it was done. From there, more and more tamariki gave it a go, showing real perseverance as they got the hang of this tricky skill. Some even got so good they managed spinning two hoops at once. What a great new way to find whakamanamana 😊❤️

Cromwell’s Tūrangawaewae

What makes Cromwell special? Just ask a local kindy kid. A kōrero about what Kidsfirst Cromwell tamariki love to do around town grew into a two-term project to create a mural celebrating their Tūrangawaewae. Everybody took part, adding orchards and boat rides on the lake, sky, grass and trees, along with some finer detailing. The masterpiece now has pride of place on the kindergarten wall for all to see. Ka rawe, Kidsfirst Cromwell 🍑❤️

A for Apple at Avonhead

Kindergarten is all about learning in ways that are fun and engaging as tamariki get ready for school in their own way, in their own time. At Kidsfirst Avonhead, a Letter of the Week celebration brings language to life as tamariki get creative with rhymes, draw letters in the air to connect sound, shape, and movement, and look for objects relating to the sound of the letter to add to the Literacy Table. Kaiako have developed this special programme in partnership with local kura to make sure everybody is on the same page when it comes to school readiness. It’s a great way to bring whakamanamana to the learning 📚❤️

A cosy corner for calm moments

Sometimes the best learning happens in the quiet moments. Tamariki at Kidsfirst Selwyn Street have a special little corner of the kindy set aside for just that – a calm, cosy space to take themselves when they’re overwhelmed, need a breather, or just want to curl up with a good pukapuka. Spaces like these help tamariki feel safe and in tune with their feelings, building important self-regulation skills from a young age. Ka mau te wehi, Selwyn Street ❤️

High tea at Rutland Street

There’s nothing like a silver tea set to celebrate King’s Birthday. Kidsfirst Rutland Street tamariki enjoyed some special high tea pretend play in the lead up to the holiday weekend thanks to the generous koha of kindy whānau. Kia pai tō rā okioki – enjoy the long weekend 👑❤️

Chilling out in the Zen Zone

We can all do with a calm, quiet space from time to time, and kindy kids are no different. Our teaching teams work hard to make sure everybody’s needs for stimulation are met, and at Kidsfirst Nuffield, there’s even a Zen Zone for those looking for some breathing room. Tamariki worked with kaiako to create the systems for this safe, non-stimulating space, which is the perfect spot for a moment of calm and focus. From colour-coding to show when the space is in use, to using name cards to make a booking, tamariki brought a whole lot of thought, collaboration and literacy skills to the task. Ka pai, Kidsfirst Nuffield – what a perfect place to get away from it all 🧘😌