Spotted Frog Preschool

Manawatia a Matariki (Happy Matariki) Matariki has given our tamariki and kaiako the opportunity to continue to develop an awareness of our unique bicultural place and a respect of different viewpoints. The tamariki have been involved in processing a deeper understanding of Matariki together, celebrating with pride our very first holiday recognised across the whenua. Tamariki have been involved in waiata, te korero, purakau nga whakawhitiwhiti and mahi toi. TeacherTalk

Happy Matariki everyone. Today we collected lemons and mandarins to share with our community. We have loaded them into the Kapata Atawhai along with some other pantry staples. Enjoy 😊

As part of our Matariki celebrations we are showing our atawhai/ kindness to our community by collecting pairs of new pyjamas to give to the Middlemore foundation / Kidz First Hospital. There is a huge need for families who arrive at hospital with sick children to ensure they have pyjamas- especially in winter. It is our aim to give 100 pairs ranging from sizes new born to 14 years.

Happy Mothers Day to all our amazing mums. We loved having you all in the centre this morning. Making bead bracelets, sharing Kai and enjoying the company of other mums. We hope you are all spoilt on Sunday morning 🧡

Who can’t help but love this amazing autumn weather we’ve been having. Teachers and children alike have been loving our walks in the local community. This week children made new discoveries at Waterlea park of secret tunnels and colourful trees. Some used their creative imaginations while others challenged and extended their physical capabilities, all the while deepening their resilience. Learning is so much fun!!

We have babies. There was lots of action today. The tamariki were in awe of seeing a chick come out of an egg. Now to name them, there have been a lot of suggestions!

What an exciting day! Something has arrived at Spotted Frog and we are all waiting to see what happens next! Can you see what it is in the photo?

Bugs, Bugs and Bugs! Bugs are certainly an interest of many of our tamariki at Spotted Frog. Spotted Frog tamariki have been investigating and making sense of the natural world around them through inquiry learning about bugs and insects. Through observation, wondering and research they have leant about their habitat and life cycle. Curiosity and wonder have seen daily bug hunts undertaken. We encourage kaitiakitanga and children are learning to manaaki for the insects.

The ants go marching two by two. Friday saw us out on another hikoi to the local park, a real favourite of the tamariki. For many this was one of their first walks out of the centre. They were lucky to have an older tama or kotiro to guide them as they walked. We really enjoy the open space of Waterlea park and all the opportunities it holds for exploration and imagination. Some tamariki built an imaginary campfire, some climbed trees, some investigated a dead bird, others a natural tunnel, while some just enjoyed the challenges of a different playground. We love being back out in the local community.

Our beautiful old fig tree which was loved by our children for climbing, bug searching, hiding in and eating from succumbed to the storms in early December and had to be removed. The children enjoyed using the large branches in the playground before Uncle Mike came in and removed the whole tree. The playground looks a little different now with a big space where the tree used to be. Kindly one of our lovely parents, Reuben from Black Bridge Nursery has gifted us a new fig tree. The children were part of the planting process and have been busy keeping it well watered. We are looking forward to watching it grow. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we are able to use it for climbing again.

No Christmas Parade this year so instead we are entering the Mangere Bridge decorating contest! Work has begun … Watch this space to see how it all progresses …