Mōkehu Room – 3.5-6 years old
Philosophy
We believe in fostering trusting relationships between kaiako, children and whānau through authentic communication.
We believe in a bicultural environment where EVERYONE develops a sense of belonging and feels safe and secure to explore, create and grow within the natural and physical world.
We aspire our children to leave Kindergarten:
- with independence, confidence and resilience
- empowered by intrinsic motivation
- as capable lifelong learners and contributors to their community
Unique to Mōkehu
The Mōkehu Room caters for our oldest tamariki here at Westport Kindergarten and builds on the solid foundations that have already been built with aroha and support from the Pikopiko Room, the Toro Room and of course, whānau!
Having just the older tamariki allows opportunities for sustained play as well as ongoing project work to be revisited. We are able to provide new resources to be explored, such as the bikes, carpentry tools, flying fox and the hot glue guns.
We are passionate believers in child-led play and know tamariki learn, grow and flourish when they are engaged in work that is meaningful and interesting to them. Through this child-led play Kaiako are able to weave in literacy and numeracy, strengthening the foundations and readiness for reading, writing, maths, science, technology and the arts. Preparing tamariki for life-long learning.
Visits
Depending on your situation you may have a different timeframe to get ready before your child starts. Where possible it is great to have several visits so they can get used to this new space and get to know their teachers.
Your visit process may look a little like this:
- First: Meet the teachers, look around, ask questions, and share your aspirations
- Second: Stay and play together, giving your child the chance to explore with you there as a secure base
- Third: Let your child know you are popping out for a moment but will be back. This gives them a chance to get to know their kaimanaaki and see that you will return. You might have a cuppa in the whānau room.
- Fourth: Leave for a longer period of time, but stay in the building. The office staff may be available to pop down to see how things are going and keep you updated.
What to bring
- Settling Objects: You may have a soft toy, special blanket, dummy, or other special something to connect to home. Let us know if this is only for bed, however sometimes they may be useful to have out when your child is settling.
- Nappies: If you child requires these, you can bring in enough for the day, or a larger pack to store here.
- Named Clothes: a couple of changes in case of water-play or toileting accidents. (We have spare clothes if needed).
- Food: A lunch box of kai/food that your child would normally have at home. We provide filtered water and cups though you are welcome to bring your own drink bottle if you prefer.
Ratio
1:10
Rhythms and Rituals
8am onwards – Tamariki & Whānau arrive:
Greeted warmly by kaiako, tamariki and their whānau may sign in together and whānau are welcome to stay for a catch up and/or a hot drink if they choose. During the day, tamariki are free to make choices about their interests, learning and areas of play, with planned and spontaneous support, guidance and extension from their peers and kaiako/teachers.
9.30ish – Hui Time:
Tamariki and kaiako gather together to make connections, share stories, songs and daily happenings following the children’s current interests. Whānau and friends are welcome to join.
10ish – Morning Kai:
After hui time we sit together as a whānau for morning kai and tamariki are free to choose a snack from their lunchbox.
10.20ish – Free Play
After morning kai, tamariki are free to choose their own spaces to work, explore and discover. Kaiako move freely throughout the environment supporting where there are needed and providing provocation to extend on the child-led play and interests.
11.30ish – 1pm – Lunch
The kai table is set up for rolling lunch and tamariki are free to finish their work and come for kai when they are ready. After lunch tamariki can return to their work and free play.
2.30ish – Representing/Hui/Kai:
Tamariki are encouraged to pack away their work and represent the environment ready for the next day. After pack away tamariki and at least one of the kaiako gather together to have some chill time with their lunchboxes and reflect on their day. Whānau and friends are welcome to join us.
