PROGRAM / Daily Routine
Whare Kauri (Preschool)
We use a more structured approach in our preschool environment because structure provides children with a sense of security, predictability, and routine, which supports their emotional well-being and helps them develop important life skills such as time management, self-regulation, and the ability to follow routines.
Typical Daily Schedule:
9:00 am - Main Mat Time: Our main mat time is held at 9:00 am, so allowing your child to arrive before that will really be great for them. Mat time is not a ‘sitting still exercise’ it is a time for respect, listening skills, and confidence building through lots of song, dance, physical movement, and opportunities for children to share news and stories with their friends.
● Morning Tea: We prepare morning tea together, encouraging children to participate in food preparation, setting tables, and developing independence and social skills.
● Learning and Play: Children engage in a wide variety of learning experiences, including outdoor exploration, creative arts, construction, science investigations, literacy and numeracy activities, and child-initiated play.
● Lunch Kai Time: We share lunch sitting all down together. We feel this helps with building good habits, social skills, manners, and a sense of community.
● Rest Time: Preschoolers can have a sleep whenever they need it in our separate, cosy sleep room. We respect each childs individual sleep needs and rhythms.
● Afternoon: In the afternoons, we focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning experiences. In early childhood education, STEM means hands-on, inquiry-based learning where children explore concepts such as cause and effect, problem-solving, patterns, measurement, building and construction, and scientific investigation through play and real-life experiences.
Whare Kowhai (Infants & Toddlers)
For infants and toddlers, care, attention, and play ARE the program. We have many beautiful resources and activities inside and out, so we can be led by what feels natural within the group of children. There will be short, shared mat times and some guided activities, but mostly we will have childrens curiosity guide our way. We do have shared meal times, and naturally, many children go to sleep after lunch, but we will adjust to each childs rhythm as discussed with their caregiver. Our approach is responsive, flexible, and centred on each childs individual needs, interests, and developmental stage.
