Little Lights Early Learning Centre

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Tots to Teens June-August 2026 Childhood in Aotearoa

Today, a simple shadow sparked a beautiful moment of learning. As we walked around the playground, one of our tamariki noticed our shadows on the ground and excitedly pointed out that we were holding hands.

What began as an observation quickly became a conversation about relationships, connection, and belonging. Through something as ordinary as a shadow, we explored how people show they care for one another and how being close to someone can make us feel safe, valued, and loved.

Sometimes the most meaningful lessons come from simply looking down and seeing the world from a different perspective.

There’s something truly special about watching a child become lost in a story. Curled up with a favourite cuddly friend, turning pages, exploring pictures, and letting their imagination lead the way.

These calm moments of literacy are about so much more than reading. They help children develop language, concentration, empathy, and a lifelong love of books. They also provide opportunities for children to slow down, feel safe, and enjoy a little time to themselves.

Today we celebrate the magic that happens when a child, a book, and a cosy corner come together. 🐻📖

“A reader today, a leader tomorrow.”

Fantastic news! We reached our goal of 30 PJs. Thanks to everyone who donated and joined us for our PJ day on Thursday 😀. If you didn't get a chance to buy some pajamas, you can still donate at https://pj-project.raisely.com/evolve-education-group; every little bit helps.

Evolve Education Group - National PJ Day National PJ Day: Make a donation or sign up today to support kids in need

Our PJ collection is starting to grow, thanks to all who have donated so far. If you don't want to donate PJs you can donate money, there is a QR code on the poster in the foyer that will take you to the link to the Kindness Collective.
All new PJ's will be collected by the Kindness Collective then distributed in the Rotorua community.

PJ day
We are collecting new PJ's from now until the 12th of June. Please see collection box in foyer. If you would like to donate money instead their is a QR code on the poster in the foyer.

We are going to have PJ day on Thursday the 11th of June.

The Kindness Collective is going to collect the PJ's and they will be distributed locally.

Thank you for your support.

Fine motor fun in our toddler space today:

Our tamariki explored using plastic tweezers to pick up colourful pom poms and sort them into a variety of recycled containers ♻️ From yoghurt cartons to egg trays and old chocolate box inserts, the children were deeply engaged as they squeezed, sorted, transferred and problem-solved through play.

Activities like these help strengthen the small muscles in little hands and fingers : supporting early writing skills, coordination, concentration and perseverance.

We love seeing how everyday recycled materials can become exciting learning opportunities filled with creativity, curiosity and joy 🌿

At Little Lights, we enjoy a beautiful rural outlook. On some days, we can see cows and alpacha in the neighbouring paddocks “Look there is a moo!!” one of the children said too me. This led to an interesting conversation about the animals we could see in the distance and more learning about what they are actual called.

Minty our sheep loves the children and will come up to the fence for a pat and a scratch. The children are so caring, often picking him some grass to eat. It's lovely to see the children enjoying watching the animals and looking out for them, often yelling out to them as well.

On Friday at Little Lights we proudly wore pink in support of Pink Shirt Day and stood together against bullying 🌸

A huge thank you to all of our tamariki, whānau, and teachers who dressed in pink, joined in our activities, and supported our coin trail fundraiser. Together we raised $50!

It was so special seeing our Little Lights community come together to promote kindness, inclusion, friendship, and aroha. Every act of kindness makes a difference

“Kia kaha te aroha”-Let love be strong 💕

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.