Karori Kindergarten

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.

The tamariki have been enjoying a few warm winter days outside. We are lucky to have a big outdoor environment with plenty to explore. We set up challenges based on children’s interests, their own requests and to cater for all ages, stages and abilities. The tamariki enjoy encouraging and supporting each other. Some of our equipment requires a few children to work together make it work, e.g swings, seesaw. There’s also opportunity to find some quiet time or solitude outside.

The excitement was palpable when the fence was opened up today and we could access the area blocked off when it flooded! The tamariki enjoyed challenging themselves up the bank, down the slide and on the rope swing. Tō mātou waimārie hoki. How fortunate we are to have such a great outdoor area.

The tamariki have been helping us clean up after the storm, sweeping, shovelling sand and leaves and learning how to balance a wheelbarrow up a plank. One of the learning outcomes of our curriculum is to take part in caring for this place and the children are eager participants in this.

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens has made the decision to close Kindergartens tomorrow for safety reasons. Stay dry and stay safe, we look forward to seeing you after the storm.