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Our Family Early Learning
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is part of us, it’s a living and breathing essence at Our Family Early Learning, interwoven through all that we do. Our curriculum starts the moment our tamariki walk through the door, from the first greeting, a strong sense of mana whenua/belonging, mana atu/well-being, mana reo/communication, mana tangata/contribution and mana aotūroa/exploration is what we strive for in all our tamariki.
With the support of our whānau and the wider community, our day to day events (emergent, centre focused and community-oriented) are elements that guide our curriculum. Our diverse and multicultural learning community thrives knowing that our tamariki are immersed in a curriculum that empowers each individual taitamati to develop confidence and competence with a love for learning and a strong sense of identity with the knowledge they can accomplish great things.
With the support of our whānau and the wider community, our day to day events (emergent, centre focused and community-oriented) are elements that guide our curriculum. Our diverse and multicultural learning community thrives knowing that our tamariki are immersed in a curriculum that empowers each individual taitamati to develop confidence and competence with a love for learning and a strong sense of identity with the knowledge they can accomplish great things.
Whānau Korerō
Each child's learning journey is unique and individual, this is why we meet formally with families twice a year to discuss your awesome child! In these conversations, we chat about goals, aspirations, interests, and challenges and from these conversations, we can create and adjust learning experiences that support our tamariki.
Language & Cultural Diversity
Here at Our Family, we are so lucky and excited by our wide variety of cultural and language diversity! It is so exciting to learn more about other cultures and share special moments together, gaining more respect and knowledge for all members of Our Family!
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Emergent Interests
Emergent interests are an important part of our curriculum!! We love listening to the voices of our children, families and teachers to create an engaging, inviting and dynamic learning environment unique to our centre. Our most recent emergent interests have been space, creative design & construction and cars! Take a scroll through our Facebook page to see the amazing experiences we have shared through these emergent interests!
Important Events
Our year is filled with important events to celebrate, commemorate and learn about! These events range from New Zealand-specific events and events from all corners of the globe! These align with the New Zealand Curriculum while also celebrating the unique cultural environment we are so lucky to be a part of!
Curriculum Statement
At Our Family Early Learning we believe curriculum represents everything we do, see, hear and feel. The curriculum is both visual and hidden and it impacts the development, learning and holistic learning of our tamariki.
At Our Family Early Learning we are guided by Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Ministry of Education Early Childhood Curriculum, along with other learning and development theories, our centre philosophy, the cultural makeup of the centre and our kaiako life and teaching experiences. For a successful curriculum the partnerships between the tamariki/child, kaiako/teacher, parents and whānau need to be strong. Therefore we believe and seek regular contact with our whānau to hear and learn about the ongoing interests, strengths and family aspirations of our tamariki.
Our Family Early Learning kaiako support the learning of our tamariki through individual observations and discussions with the tamariki (child), whānau (families) and their colleagues. Individual Development Plans are created from a collaborative discussion between kaiako/teacher and whānau/families twice a year. Regular monthly individual evidence is documented to show the ongoing learning journey of each tamariki. A Celebration of your Learning Journey is collated twice a year. We love our families to comment and to hear what our families think.
As part of the centres' life and learning the tamariki, kaiako and whānau engage in significant events both cultural and community-based. These events further strengthen our belief of all feel valued, respected and accepted.
At Our Family Early Learning we are guided by Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Ministry of Education Early Childhood Curriculum, along with other learning and development theories, our centre philosophy, the cultural makeup of the centre and our kaiako life and teaching experiences. For a successful curriculum the partnerships between the tamariki/child, kaiako/teacher, parents and whānau need to be strong. Therefore we believe and seek regular contact with our whānau to hear and learn about the ongoing interests, strengths and family aspirations of our tamariki.
Our Family Early Learning kaiako support the learning of our tamariki through individual observations and discussions with the tamariki (child), whānau (families) and their colleagues. Individual Development Plans are created from a collaborative discussion between kaiako/teacher and whānau/families twice a year. Regular monthly individual evidence is documented to show the ongoing learning journey of each tamariki. A Celebration of your Learning Journey is collated twice a year. We love our families to comment and to hear what our families think.
As part of the centres' life and learning the tamariki, kaiako and whānau engage in significant events both cultural and community-based. These events further strengthen our belief of all feel valued, respected and accepted.
Transition to School
It is important all our tamariki and their whānau feel confident in their transition from early learning to primary school. We are involved with Kāhui Ako and work closely alongside our community's primary schools and ECE providers to keep up to date with key skills they would like the children to have, for a successful beginning to school. When our tamariki turn four, we check in with you about what aspirations you have for your tamariki as they approach school age. Our kaiako will guide you with the B4 school checks, and enrolment process, and support you with school visits if you find it difficult to take time off work. Your child will participate in our transition to school programme, this will support them with all the key skills they need to begin school, feeling confident and capable in their next learning journey. We also offer an optional homework opportunity where your child will be asked to complete a small task about the week’s huihui (group time) focus. The purpose is for the child to become familiar with school books, book bags and the independence of putting their belongings away and becoming accustomed to the daily routines they will experience at school.
Establishing and maintaining a strong connection between home and preschool is extremely important to us. Twice a year, we invite whānau to formally discuss your child. Within these conversations we talk about goals, aspirations, challenges you may be facing and from these collaborative discussions our teachers create individual development plans. These whānau korerō are also amazing opportunities to have deeper conversations with families. This is a specific learning plan for your child towards the learning goals that you and their teachers create. Monthly learning stories are written and shared to document your child's ongoing learning journey. Their learning plans are regularly updated and a celebration of our children's learning journey are collated twice a year. Life can be busy and fast paced and drop-offs and pick-ups can be hectic, we value these conversations as tools to learn more about your family and child. If your child requires extra support, we will arrange a meeting between your family, the team leader, and any appropriate agencies so we can discuss and action on how best to support your child's needs, you may request a meeting at any time.
Individual Progress Meetings
Cultural & Family Events
Our curriculum is strongly influenced by our multi-cultural learning community. Throughout the year we take pride in our cultural and family events, ensuring that all cultures are represented and everyone's sense of whanaungatanga (connections) is empowered and celebrated.
During the year we host various events to strengthen the relationship between kura (preschool) and home, by inviting parents in for social events, information evenings, celebratory concerts for Christmas, Easter, Matariki, Mother's / Father's Day and more!!
During the year we host various events to strengthen the relationship between kura (preschool) and home, by inviting parents in for social events, information evenings, celebratory concerts for Christmas, Easter, Matariki, Mother's / Father's Day and more!!
