Lollipops Ruapehu

This week we are learning about the matariki stars Ururangi and Waipuna-ā-rangi.

Ururangi is one of the stars in the Matariki cluster and is connected to the winds. It helps us to observe and understand the different winds and weather patterns that affect our environment.

Learning about Ururangi encourages tamariki to notice and explore the natural world around them, such as feeling the wind, watching leaves move, and discussing how weather changes. This supports curiosity, scientific thinking, and a deeper connection to te taiao (the natural environment). Through learning about Ururangi, tamariki can also develop an understanding of kaitiakitanga, recognising how weather and wind influence the health of our land, waterways, plants, and animals, and how we can care for them. 🌬️✨

Today I set up our sensory curtains outside so that they could catch the wind. Lucky for us Tāwhirimātea made an appearance today! The wind has picked up since yesterday and is blowing our curtains around, showing the direction it wants to go. The tamariki are loving watching the curtains go up and down and flowing in the wind. 🌬️

At night the teachers set up provocations for the next day to support children's learning, curiosity, imagination, creativity, communication and interests. This provocation was to support the children's interest in The Gruffalo and our love of Julia Donaldson's books.

Thank you to our Kaiako and whanau who donated :-)

All our tamariki wearing their PJs in support of the National PJ day :-)

National PJ Day tomorrow! Come dressed in your PJs and donate a new pair of PJs to help keep tamariki warm this winter. We have a drop zone at the centre for donations.

The kiwi room has been very busy learning about the Matariki stars Waitī and Tupuānuku over the past 2 weeks, through different sensory, messy play, and art activities.

These activities also support part of our philosophy here at Lollipops, kaitiakitanga (guardianship), encouraging tamariki to care for and respect the environment, living things, and natural resources. By learning about Matariki, tamariki develop a sense of responsibility, belonging, and appreciation for the world around them. 🌟🍃

We are almost half way to our goal. Keep the donations going

We are a drop off zone for donations of new PJ's for tamariki as part of the keep kids warm this winter. We will hold a PJ day on the 12th of June in support too.

This week in the Kiwi room we have been learning all about Waitā. Waitā is a star in the Matariki cluster associated with the ocean, marine life, and the gathering of seafood.

Learning about stars and Matariki helps tamariki develop curiosity about the world around them while building cultural understanding and connection to nature. Through stories, observation, and creative experiences, children can explore science concepts, language, and traditions in a meaningful and engaging way.

🐟🐠🦀🐙🌊🐬🐳🦑🦈🦭🪸🪼🐚

This year, we're supporting The Kindness Collective's PJ Project.

Up until the 12th June, we'll be collecting brand new pyjamas - our centre is a drop-off point if you'd like to donate in person, or you can donate online if that's easier.
👉 https://pj-project.raisely.com/evolve-education-group

Every pair of pyjamas makes a real difference - helping bring comfort, kindness, and a little extra warmth to tamariki across Aotearoa who need it most 🫶

Our centre is a drop-off point if you'd like to donate pyjamas in person, or you can easily donate money online if that's easier.