Our under 2's children were having so much fun as they were exploring the cotton reels - open ended materials are items that do not have one designated purpose and thus, they are incredible tools for learning,they provide multiple uses and endless play. It enables children to be creative and express themselves in play.
As you can see how much fun our children are having inform your family and friends about us as we have spaces available if they are looking for childcare. Come and see our purpose built centre that caters from 0-6 years of age .
The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experience – Loris Malaguzzi. Often, we are unsure of carpentry ourselves as it is not something that we grew up with or were encouraged to play with as a child. There can be different cultural barriers for teachers and whanau but the teachers and tamariki here at preschool have been very enthusiastic to explore and experiment carpentry with and alongside each other.In fact, if loose parts play is defined as “materials that can be moved, redesigned, put together and taken apart in a variety of ways” then carpentry is loose parts play at its core. It is the very essence of a holistic learning experience. We are proud to share these experiences of learning that happens during this play.
Celebrating Samoan Language week, as diversity means understanding each individual is unique and here at the centre it showcases the aspects of celebrating it. We had a special visitor who came along and sang songs and danced for the children.It was a week full of activities where teachers exploring the culture with children via food, language, music ,tapa cloth making and storytelling. The teachers and children dressed up for the occasion and thank you to the parents who came along last Friday to celebrate the culture with us.
As children and parents started their "new normal" this week, it was wonderful to see them all catch with their friends and teachers. It was also interesting to see how much over the lock down period our children have grown. During this period we also had some children turned 5 yrs old and was off to the "big school" too.
But nevertheless the children who are here, had and has been having a great time. It was awesome to have our tamariki and parents back.
Creativity and imagination, as Einstein said that the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Your child’s ability for critical thinking and creative problem solving evolve from imagination. As the Stellar children were working with natural materials i.e leaves and started to create their very own creation. Imagination is fostered through play. Allowing our children to play freely with various toys or other objects gives them the opportunity to engage in their own creative and imaginative thoughts. Ka Pai tamariki love your creations and well done kaiako for extending their creativity and imagination.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of having Kanoa's dad coming along to do some carpentry work with the children, he also made a table for the Astron room where the children will be using it in the family area.Why carpentry isn't it dangerous for children to handle hammers, nails etc you may wonder.... but the benefits of carpentry i.e children gain increasing control over their bodies through the development of hand-eye coordination, manipulative skills and muscular strength. Express their creativity in a three-dimensional way.
Learn to share and cooperate as they work together with the materials. Also handling materials in an appropriate ways. Thank you Aviti for sharing your skills with the children as they all enjoyed the session with you.
Last Friday we had a visitor from the Henderson library and he was really cool as he read stories about Chinese New Year and played some interactive games with the tamariki and kaiako. The children really enjoyed listening and participating, here at BrightSparks children are also provided with opportunities to experience other languages and cultures which are integrated into our programme.
Clareo teachers and children went for a walk to Te Pai Park and they also met our past children from Edmonton Primary School who were also there. It was amazing to see how the past children remembered Sreeja. Our Clareo tamariki had a wonderful time at the park exploring, looking at the flowers and most of all connecting with the community.
Playing outside is fantastic for helping children to practise their physical abilities. Exercises such as running, jumping, skipping and playing ball games not only strengthen little muscles, but they can also help with gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination and overall health and well being. Our new under 3 playground has been designed with that in mind so that our little children can extend and challenge themselves climbing up a hill, navigating a bamboo maze, and exploring the obstacle courses that has been set up for them. You will be amazed how our tamariki use the outdoor spaces.
Don't forget our Open Day 14th February from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm at BrightSparks 40 Paramount Drive, Henderson. Let your friends and family know if they are looking for childcare.....
Matariki celebration at our centre, creations done by our tamariki with the help of our caring and dedicated kaiako and parents.
Butterfly Creek a trip with the Clareo room (2-3 yrs old) tamariki as part of the their project work, it was amazing the children and parents/whanau absolutely loved it and to top it off with good weather you cannot ask for more with Sreeja Menon, Belmira Taites and Mary Jane. Thank you to all the parent help without you wouldn't be possible.
We did it!!!! I am so very proud of the yummy food that Gordana (our cook) cooks for the tamariki and our lovely kaiako (teachers) who without fail challenges our tamariki phyiscally with their obstacle courses, that is why we got the highest award. Ka Pai !!!
We are extremely proud and excited to announce that we have received a Pa Harakeke- Flourishing (Gold) Healthy Heart Award from the Heart Foundation for the amazing things we do to promote healthy food and physical activity. We are helping our tamariki to have healthy habits and healthy heart for life
10th Birthday Celebration what a milestone!
A big thank you to the parents that were able to come along and Anita who attended Bright Sparks 10 years ago it was great that you could share this day with us.
Annual water Sports Day was so much fun enjoyed by all it was a fantastic wet day filled with games.
