Karori Kindergarten

Akoranga (learning) fire and ice
Assalam-u-Alaikum (السلام علیکم) Kia ora

Last week, we had great fun exploring the ice outside. The children learnt that it would shatter if you dropped it or stomped on it.
We discussed their “working theories” of how ice is made? Do you need sunlight to warm up the water and make it solid like boiling an egg?? Did Elsa from Frozen make it with her superpowers?
We encourage children to share their ideas and test them. Does it work if you put the water in the sun? Our curriculum aims for children to develop and refine their own “working theories”. It can be lots of fun to test something out whether it works or not!
Today, we had a fire outside. We collected wood and rocks to make it. There was some lamenting that it was not a “real fire” with “real marshmallows.” But we did have a “real bucket” of water to put the fire or any sparks out.

In May, 2025, changes to the pay equity law meant that the claim lodged by NZEI Te Riu Roa (the union that represents kindergarten teachers) was scrapped, and needed to be started again. This was challenged as a Human Rights issue (https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/12/05/human-rights-commission-joins-pay-equity-court-case/) and today, it reached the High Court. Heather was outside the High Court this morning, with other members of NZEI Te Riu Roa, the NZ Nurses Organisation, Post Primary Teachers Association and The Public Service Association to raise awareness of the legal action.

Mānawatia a Matariki, e te whānau

Akoranga (learning)
It was so wonderful to celebrate Matariki, the Māori new year, with our kindergarten whānau. We shared karakia, some yummy kai, talked and sung. We created stones of remembrance to honor loved ones who have passed on. And, made wishes for the year ahead

We will continue learning about these stars and what they represent, and the maramataka Māori calendar. He waka eke noa.

2026 Matariki dates:
Matariki Setting, June 8
Matariki Rising, July 8-11
Matariki Period, July 8-14
Matariki Public Holiday, Friday, July 10
Matariki is the mother of eight stars in the cluster. She represents health and wellbeing, gathering together of people, and reflection. The father is Rehua (also know as Antares and part of the nearby Scorpius constellation). He is the atua of kindness and healing.
At kindergarten, we are associating our dramatic play area with Matariki and Rehua. It is a place to be together, eat (pretend), and also see the “doctor”.

💜 Exciting news Karori! We've extended our opening hours to better support busy whānau in the community.

If you’re looking for a safe, nurturing and community focused early learning environment, we’d love to welcome you and your child 🌿

What makes our kindergarten special:

✅ 20 Hours FREE ECE for ALL children - including 2-year-olds.
✅ 100% qualified teachers
✅ Learning through Te Whāriki - Aotearoa's world-leading early childhood curriculum.
✅ NOW OPEN THROUGH SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

🏠 Visit us at 155 Campbell Street, Karori. 📞 Call 04 476 3986 or register your interest today!

https://wmkindergartens.org.nz/find-a-kindergarten/show/33-Karori%20Kindergarten

Mānawatia a Matariki!
We have started incorporating Matariki knowledge into our curriculum planning. The rising of the star cluster Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year.
The tamariki have been super interested in learning about what the different stars represent, their science and stories, as well as the lunar phases of the Maramataka Māori (Māori calendar). This calendar follows a three-year cycle with a 13th month this year to account for the extra time that a leap year accommodates in the Gregorian calendar.
We have posters displayed around the kindergarten, to help us learn about the different stars.
We are on this learning journey together .... He waka eke noa.

Box City

What's better to spark the imagination than some sturdy boxes, fabric samples, tape, pens and a kaiako to help with the cutting!
Our tamariki, designed, revised, and decorated their box houses for many hours. They hung curtains installed locks made keys laid carpet and even a put it a heatpump.

They're using their imaginations, problem solving and working together.

We recently purchased a "twing" (a twirly swing) and the tamariki have spent a lot of time exploring this new way to move their bodies. Spinning develops chiildren's vestibular system, which in turn helps them be more aware of where their body is in space and helps them control their bodies. It can also be regulating for some children, and give them the sensory input their body craves. Tamariki were also challenging themselves physically, working on their grip strength (great for pre-writing development) and attempting to turn themselves upside down.

Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of managing themselves and expressing their feelings and needs.

-Te whāriki, our early childhood curriculum.

Fun quiet spaces in the outdoors

Our tamariki have been enjoying chilling out in the autumn sun in some quiet spaces outside.
Creating a little nook under the trees, inspired some reading, imaginative role play and peekaboo!
While the stretchy lycra was super fun to enjoy alone or with friends. The tamariki enjoyed the sensation of stretching the lycra with their limbs, practiced keeping themselves and others safe as they climbed in and out, gaining control of their bodies and awareness of other people's. And, it was great place for a laugh!

One of our four year olds summed it it.
'This is really nice.'

Our tamariki always enjoy visits from Martin the Toy Maker. Today he built insect homes with our tamariki. The insect homes will be a great addition to our gardens. They will support children’s connection with the natural world, being kaitiaki of the insects that live in our gardens, exploring working theories and more. Tamariki can also be proud that they have built and created a resource for our gardens, enhancing their sense of belonging at kindergarten.