Nursery
Vision statement:
‘We provide a calming, nurturing environment that feels like home, a warm and loving place where our tamariki, whanau and kaiako feel a sense of belonging and comfort. We have a gentle, loving approach in our Nursery and provide a level of consistency in our routines which offers our children a sense of security and predictability throughout the day, we also incorporate Tikanga practises which shape the way we do some things.
Our Nursery values the principles of respect, which we treat others and our environment with at all times. We understand and value the importance of children’s individual routines from home which we accommodate to and we are driven to ensure our tamariki receive the same opportunities regardless of age, sleep & meal times.
We aim to create an environment that inspires our tamariki to lead their own learning, a space that brews curiosity, creativity and imagination. We provide the freedom for children to learn at their own pace, make discoveries and grow independence as we foster the use of self-help skills in our daily activities & routine.
Relationships are at the heart of what we do, as kaiako we go the extra mile to connect and communicate with each other, with the tamariki and our whanau ensuring we all feel supported and involved with each child’s development. Our commitment to communication will support Tamariki to thrive and allow our families to feel confident and well supported as an important part of their child’s learning journey.
Embedded in our Nursery curriculum are the principles of loose parts play, natural resources, elements of the RIE philosophy, with the main focus on Montessori. ‘
Daily routine:
8.00-9:15 Haere mai! Welcome —Our tamariki (Children) are arriving and it is an important time to relay messages between home life & Minerva house. Our Kaiako (Teachers) are focused on communication with parents and comforting those children who need some extra love and attention. During this time our tamariki have the opportunity to indulge in free play with their friends. Kaiako begin setting up our outside environment and create opportunities for exploration activities which can be anything from messy play, painting, crafts, climbing and more!
9.15-9.30 Rōpū Taima – Circle time —Our tamariki come together and take responsibility to tidy our space before deciding if they would like to sit down for circle time. Each circle time is optional but encouraged and they can be unique to each Kaiako. Circle times can include a full Montessori work cycle or you can expect a collection of stories, songs, elements of Montessori phonics, discussions around weather, maths and more!
9.30-10.00 Kai o te ata – Morning tea —Once our tamariki are all seated at the Kai Tepu we sing a Karakia in Te Reo to bless our food. Depending on children’s individual routines they may eat earlier or later than this set time.
10.00-11.00 Mana Aoturoa – Exploration Our tamariki will experience an environment with an indoor/ outdoor flow providing them with the freedom to lead their own learning and make discoveries at their own pace. Kaiako will offer experiences that link to our term focus or to a child’s individual or emergent interest.
11.00-11.30 Montessori work cycle Our Tamariki are invited to join us for a Montessori work cycle, In a small group we gather around and complete different tasks that test and improve our tamariki’s abilities, patience and focus. This is especially important to build our toddler’s confidence and capabilities before they begin their transition into the caterpillar room. Following this activity most days our tamariki will come together to enjoy a few songs and stories before heading off to wash their hands. This time is flexible and isn’t a regimented part of our routine, it entirely depends on our tamariki’s wants & needs during this time.
11.30-12.00 Lunch time Once our tamariki are all seated at the Kai Tepu we sing a Karakia in Te Reo to bless our food. Depending on children’s individual routines they may eat earlier or later than this set time.
12.00-12.45 Sleep time / Exploration Most of our tamariki transition from the table into indoor free play and exploration. We encourage this time to be calming and quiet as kaiako are cleaning eating areas & preparing our children for a moe.
12.45-2.30 Exploration / Reset Most tamariki are now sleeping, we often have our younger friends awake & exploring. Kaiako often utilise this time to offer this group of children the same activities that they may have missed during their morning nap, it is also a great time for kaiako to reset the classroom, plan future activities and do our scheduled cleaning.
2.30-3.00 Afternoon tea Most tamariki have woken by this time and begin by washing their hands before gathering at the Kai Tepu. Once our tamariki are all seated at the table we sing a Karakia in Te Reo to bless our food. Depending on children’s individual routines they may eat earlier or later than this set time.
3.00-3.30 Rōpū Taima – Circle time Our tamariki will come together one last time for the day. This Circle time is special as almost all of our tamariki are awake this time of the day, making it a full group experience for all ages.
3.30-4.00 Preparing for end of day This can be a busy time in the Nursery as Kaiako are packing bags, checking nappies and communicating with parents about their child’s day. Be sure to have a look at our notice board explaining what learning has been happening in our room, and feel free to check the sleep & meal charts located on the kitchen bench.
4.00-4.30 Montessori work cycle As the Nursery slows down for the day our tamariki come together one last time and enjoy a combination of our Montessori work cycles, stories, songs and more.
4.30-5.30 Closing Most tamariki and kaiako have and/or are about to leave for the day. All of the children remaining in the centre join us in the Nursery as the day comes to a close.
