Let’s Grow Early Learning Centree has launched Waka Kura, a new transition-to-school programme combining outdoor learning, school visits and close support for tamariki and whānau. The programme focuses on confidence, resilience, self-care and developing a positive attitude towards learning.
Tell us about the Waka Kura programme (off to school programme) and what it involves.
Waka Kura is our new off to school programme. Tamariki have the opportunity to participate in our Bush Park outdoor education programme and will visit Kura Taiao (onsite outdoor space) twice a week. We offer 1:1 meetings with whānau and Karioi team leaders to discuss children’s learning priorities and school readiness. We work closely with new entrant teachers and take our children on termly visits to RAS. There are extended opportunities for early literacy and mathematic development in authentic contexts as well as the opportunity to participate in weekly lunch box days.
Our Waka Kura programme focuses on learning to learn dispositions such as self-care skills, taking responsibility, problem-solving and thinking skills, resilience, risk-taking and confidence. Waka Kura will extend on the strengths, interests and abilities of our tamariki as well as continuing to embody the Let’s Grow values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whānaungatanga, ako and tuakana-teina.
What benefits does it offer the children and families as they go through this transition.
Starting school is a big step for not only the child but their whānau. It is our aim to support the transition process each step of the way. Waka Kura supports tamariki to develop a positive learner identity. While academic skills like writing and reading are important, they are typically taught at school. Readiness for school refers to a combination of cognitive and physical ability, self-care skills and responsibility, and social and emotional development. The programme is about supporting children to develop a lifelong interest in learning. It is our aim that Waka Kura gives tamariki the opportunity to engage in a range of learning experiences that will ensure they are confident in themselves and are excited about the next step in their learning journey.
How did you develop the programme and how do you and RAS work together?
Our Waka Kura programme has been in the works for a few years now and each year we built on what we were already doing. Our team leader Kat Robinson did extensive research around how we could improve our off to school programme and added some exciting components such as the weekly excursion to the Wainui Reserve Bush Park. Bush Park excursions have been a goal for Let’s Grow for some years now so it is great to finally have it off the ground.
We are in constant communication with Nicole Bell (new entrant teacher & year 0-2 team leader) and Lisa Brunel (new entrant teacher) from RAS. We collaborate to support our tamariki through their transition from Let’s Grow to school. Currently we are having wonderful discussions around what else we could prioritise when it comes to preparing our tamariki as they take steps to feeling ready to start school.
What other aspects of Let’s Grow make it a unique experience?
At Let’s Grow we pride ourselves for providing quality ratios that well surpass government requirements. This allows us to get to know each child on a deep level and work closely with whānau to best support each child on their unique learning journey. Our tamariki are the designers of our daily curriculum where we let children lead their learning experiences, exploration, play and next steps in their learning adventures. We are passionate about supporting tamariki to learn about how they can be positive contributors to papatūānuku and we spend lots of time outside, learning about and playing in nature, exploring and gardening. We are lucky to have such beautiful nature right on our door step! We are passionate about providing a nurturing learning environment where children have the freedom to play as well as engage in meaningful learning activities.
How are you celebrating Matariki at the centre?
This year we are exploring storytelling! Our whānau evening event is our Matariki highlight. We gather together to celebrate the past, present and future. Our Karioi tamariki walk along a candle lit pathway, past our remembrance tree carrying their handmade lanterns. The tamariki join together to sing waiata for our whānau and then we enjoy hot soup and roasted marshmallows by the fire. Matariki is a very special time for us.
What are you offering young families at present as an opportunity to try Let’s grow?
At the moment we offer the first month free for all new 2yr old enrolments, the first two months free for all new 3 & 4yr old enrolments. In addition to this, families are also able to access the government’s family boost and WINZ schemes to help with costs. We welcome families to arrange a time to come and meet us and have a look at our space.
Petruschka Heinz, Centre manager
