Excursion to Cannon Point Walkway

Excursion to Expressions and the Library

Pm Farmlet Excursion

Today we went on an exciting adventure to King's Farm next to Cannon Point. Here we were able to observe a variety of animals on the farm such as chickens, cows, sheep, pigs and a farm dog. It was great to watch them have a late lunch, and discover what they liked to eat.
Exploring our community gave us the opportunity to create our own working theories about the living world and the knowledge of how to care for it.

Visiting the bird life in our local backyard.....

 

Today on the 18th March 2015, we ventured out into our own local backyard to explore the thriving bird life. Our first stop was to visit the chickens that we observed everyday through the cracks in the fence. This was a great chance for us to see them up close and personal, and to observe Mark give them their morning tea.

After observing the chicken in their habit, we continued with our excursion to visit Tulsa Park, where we took some bread to  feed our local birds. Here we discovered a variety of hungry ducks, however the pukeko were nowhere to be found. When the ducks were fully satisfied with food in their tummies, we set off on our

journey to the bus stop to catch the next bus. On its arrival we all jumped on the bus to take a tour around Totara Park, before returning to kindergarten with bread and milk that we brought from our local four square.  This excursion provided us with the opportunity to interact with our local community and discover what treasures it had to offer to extend our learning about the world around us.

 

Excursion to Maidstone Max

Excursion to the bike park at Harcourt Park: Term 1, 2015

Superhero Costumes

 

 

February has seen some amazing superhero costumes emerge from the programme. Many children have become engaged in creating superhero accessories to entire superhero costumes. As the children create these amazing creations many have taken the opportunity to drive their own learning and support their peers. It has been great to hear children reinforcing to each other that superheroes play as good friends. 

Term 1, 2015

We have been practising our earthquake and fire drills this term. So I thought it was a good time to retell the traditional Māori story of Rūaumoko (also known as Ruamoko) the guardian of earthquakes, volcanoes and seasons. This story has been passed down through generations. It is a story that we regularly read to the children because we know that they enjoy it so much. It’s now on the blog for you to enjoy reading to your children at home as well.

Excursion to Harcourt Park: December 2014

Term 1, 2015: Blueberry and Emu Farm Excursion

          Learning about our Mihi

AM Session Programme

Term 1, 2015

Welcome back from the holiday break. The summer sun has not disappointed us these holidays. And we have also been able to enjoy great outdoor weather now that kindergarten has started again. Monica, our new Head Teacher has had many years of experiences, and we warmly welcome her to our team. This term, the programme in the Morning session is focusing on the strand and goals of Te Whariki known as ‘Contribution’. The concept of ‘Contribution’ from a curriculum viewpoint is considered to be when; children take another’s point of view, or empathise with others, ask for help, see themselves as a help for others, and when they discuss or explain their ideas to adults or to other children. We have started to document learning outcome of the strand ‘Contribution’ on the back planning wall, by the kitchen.

The Afternoon session curriculum focus is on the strand and goals of ‘Belonging’. As children settle into kindergarten, they develop a sense of belonging. This in turn enhances other positive learning outcomes. The concept of ‘Belonging’ from a curriculum viewpoint is considered to be when; there are connecting links with the family and the wider world and they are affirmed and extended, when children know that they have a place here, when children feel comfortable with the routines, customs, and regular events, and when children know the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour. We have also started to document the learning outcomes of this strand on the planning wall by the puzzle table.

Photos from the end of term 4, 2014