House of Wonder Christchurch

This week we have been celebrating Samoan Language Week through art, culture, language, and meaningful conversations with our tamariki. From creating beautiful frangipani flowers to exploring new words and colours in gagana Samoa, it has been so special to embrace and celebrate the richness of Samoan culture together. 🌺🇼🇸

E sui faiga ae tumau fa’avae | Practices may change, but the foundations remain.

In te rūma Kōtuku, we are on an amazing journey of discovery and learning, looking at different plants and finding out what they need to grow, using magnifying glasses to get a close up appreciation for nature!

We have introduced herbs, citrus fruits, strawberries and catcus - and while having a kōrero around pollonation and bees, we were lucky enough to find a dead bumblebee that we could have a much closer look at! Our little scientists are thriving in small learning groups, using creative art to express emerging working theories! 🌱 🔬

Welcome to Wāna Rūma 🌿

Our warm and nurturing nursery space is designed for confidently walking tamariki through to 2 years old, where our little learners are encouraged to grow, discover, and flourish at their own pace alongside caring kaiako and e hoa!

Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu ✨

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐 💮

To all the whaea, mums, step-mums, grandmas, nanas and mother figures in our lives - today is for you!

For the early starts, the big hugs, the long nights, and the endless love in so many different forms… we see it, and we appreciate it.

Sending love and aroha to you today.
We also hold space today, for those who may be missing someone, waiting for someone, or carrying their motherhood journey quietly. 💗 💜

Our pēpi leading their own learning - exploring, creating, and making meaning through art in their own unique ways 🎨

“Toi tū, toi ora.”
“Art endures, art thrives”

Our tamariki showing their support and appreciation for our local firefighters! A small but meaningful way to stand together as a community! 🚒❤️

Here at House of Wonder, we are committed to continued learning and understanding around our philosophy, which is inspired by the Reggio approach.

One of our Kaiako has just returned from a week long conference in Reggio Emilia, experiencing firsthand the local preschool’s philosophy in practice, being inspired by the incredible presentations at the Loris Malaguzzi Centre and soaking up the wonderful Italian culture.

We look forward to implementing more of this beautiful philosophy in our centre, and continuing on our pathway to enrich the lives of ngā tamariki.

Niente senza gioia | Nothing without joy

- Loris Malaguzzi 🇮🇹

Today we remember those who served and sacrificed for our country. Throughout the week, our tamariki have taken part in simple, meaningful moments within our classrooms to honour ANZAC Day.

Lest we forget 🇳🇿🇦🇺

Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing long weekend ahead ❤️

Kōtuku Bike Day was such a highlight of our school holiday programme last week! 🚴🏽‍♂️

Our tamariki zoomed around building confidence and balance, with lots of smiles and encouragement along the way. Such a fun day out in the fresh air! ☀️

We were so lucky to have the lovely Becky from Sing and Sign join us for a special session with our under 2s tamariki! 🎶✨

Together we sang songs, explored a range of musical instruments, and were introduced to some simple sign language. It was a beautiful way to support our pēpi who are still developing their verbal language, giving them another way to communicate their needs, thoughts, and feelings.

There were so many smiles, curious moments, and engaged little learners throughout the session – such a special experience for our tamariki 💛