Aratupu Preschool & Whānau Hub

Love these ideas for encouraging the best in your tamaiti. Positive behaviour grows when we notice and nurture it 🌱

We made our very own plum jam again this year, it's becoming a tradition. The tamariki did a fabulous job of cutting the plums up, ready to go in the pot. The following day we tested the jam out on some freshly made scones, also made by the tamariki. It definitely got our approval 😋

Our tamariki are filled with so much curiosity and wonder. Today, I watched as two of our tamariki were looking into a hole in a tree, trying to reach inside and see what was in there. As I kept observing I saw so much learning happening. They had to work together and communicate with one another to get the tyres in place, they took turns, they shared the space, learning about spatial awareness, they took risks, challenged themselves, problem solved and inquired into nature.

Check out this air time! Here's one of our tamariki challenging their body on the foam wave mat. We have numerous ways every day for tamariki to take risks safely and physically exert themselves.

Today was National Shake Out Day. We had a korero about what an earthquake is and how to keep safe if one happens. Our tamariki were amazing at dropping quickly to the ground and getting into their turtles.

One of the highlights for tamariki in both our Wise-Up and ACES programme is when we discuss worries and they get to make their very own worry doll to take home with them. This idea, and how a worry doll can help, is beautifully illustrated in the book 'Silly Billy' that we read to the tamariki.

We are passionate about what we do and want to reach more whānau and communities so next Term we will be running an afterschool community ACES (a programme that up until now has been an in-school programme only). We will be delivering this programme in Papanui on a Tuesday afternoon.

Spaces are filling up fast so if you'd like your child to be involved in this programme, or you know of another family going through separation where the tamariki could use some extra support, then reach out.

Enjoying puddles that Ranginui left for us. Mud is a great sensory experience, it was very welcomed by the tamariki today.

Kōrero mai, kōrero atu, mauri tū, mauri ora - Stand up, stand together, stop bullying!

Kia ora koutou, this Sunday 11th May our whānau from Whare Tiaki are holding a fundraising BBQ at Mitre 10, Papanui. Angeline and her team will be there from 8.30am till 4pm. Pop along, say hello and buy a sausage or two! Wesley Village Whare Tiaki comprises eight independent suites for kaumātua. It is a living whare (house) for kaumātua (older people).

Send a message to learn more

If you're looking for some Saturday family fun then head along to the Te Puawaitanga big 20 year celebration! UPDATE....due to the weather this event has been postponed till the 17th May. Scan to register, free event.