Learning Adventures Takanini

Since the weather was unfavourable today,we decided to stay indoors and engage in some exciting activities.First,everyone was eager to explore with play dough as they gathered around the table .This experience helped them to develop their problem solving skills as they shared and played with the play dough toys.It also enhanced their creativity and supported their emotional regulation through hands -on exploration.The children used their imagination during the play dough activity,by cutting out shapes with play dough cutters and objects in an exploratory manner.Afterwards,they had the opportunity to explore sharing cream and mix the colour which involved their hand-eye coordination as they moved their hands and eyes together while mixing the cream.

Kia ora whānau,
Today, our Buzzy Bee tamariki enjoyed participating in a collaborative drawing experience where they worked alongside their peers to express their creativity and imagination. As they explored different colours and mark-making techniques, they practised holding crayons and pencils with increasing control, strengthening their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The shared drawing activity also encouraged communication, turn-taking, and the exchange of ideas as the children contributed to a collective piece of artwork.
Meanwhile, our Pūkeko tamariki began their Matariki art project by creating a Matariki wharenui (meeting house). The children explored Māori patterns and symbols, thoughtfully incorporating them into their designs while learning about the significance of Matariki as a time of remembrance, celebration, and coming together. Through this creative experience, they further developed their fine motor skills, concentration, and perseverance while deepening their understanding and appreciation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
It was wonderful to see our tamariki engaged, confident, and proud of their creations as they expressed themselves through art and meaningful learning experiences.

Today is the day we bid farewell to you Gemma. On your last day, we want to express our heart felt gratitude for your incredible mentorship. Truly few possess the leadership qualities that you do. lt has been a pleasure working under your guidance and supervision. May you always remain a guiding star in whatever path you choose to follow, we will all miss you dearly.

Kia Ora whānau,
This week, our tamariki have been busy exploring imaginative play through a variety of new costumes. Through pretend play, the children developed their communication and language skills, negotiated ideas with their peers, and strengthened their friendships as they worked together to create their own stories and scenarios.
Making the most of the beautiful sunny weather today, the tamariki also took part in an exciting obstacle course outdoors. They eagerly challenged themselves by climbing, balancing, stepping, and navigating different obstacles. These experiences supported the development of their gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and body awareness. The children practised patience and self-regulation as they learned to wait for their turn, encouraged one another, and celebrated each other’s achievements.

This morning, Teacher Nella organized a creative activity where children had the opportunity to learn the names of colors in Māori language.First, each child chose their favorite colors and then experimented it by pressing them onto paper. As Teacher Nella passed the paper and brushes to each child one at a time, the children eagerly used their hands to paint with smiles on their faces. It was wonderful to see how Teacher Nella enthusiastically repeated Māori words with the children throughout the activity. This experience fostered non-verbal emotional expression and encouraged critical thinking through the exploration of colours.

Kia ora whanau,
What a wonderful week we have had celebrating Samoan Language Week at our centre!
Throughout the week, our tamariki explored and learned about Samoan culture through a variety of meaningful experiences, including arts and crafts, action songs, storytelling, and language-learning activities. During our mat times, the children enjoyed learning Samoan numbers, greetings, and alphabet sounds, helping to build their awareness and appreciation of the Samoan language.
Our tamariki also engaged in creative activities such as designing traditional Siapo-inspired artwork and constructing their own Samoan fale, encouraging both creativity and cultural understanding. These experiences provided opportunities for children to express themselves while learning about the rich traditions and heritage of Samoa.
As part of the celebrations, some of our tamariki visited the library, where they participated in a special Samoan Language Week programme. They enjoyed listening to stories, singing Samoan songs, and engaging with the wider community in celebrating Samoan culture.
Today, we were fortunate to welcome a very special guest. A huge fa‘afetai tele lava (thank you very much) to Lufo Eli’s mum for taking the time to visit our centre and share her cultural knowledge and treasured Samoan artefacts with us. Gathering together on the cultural mat, the children enjoyed learning and singing the beautiful Samoan song “Le ’Aute.” They also discovered the cultural significance of flowers in Samoan traditions before creating their own colourful flowers using feathers. Today in morning tea the tamariki also enjoyed having some Samoan bread made by our cook.
These experiences supported our tamariki to develop respect for diversity, build cultural awareness, and strengthen their understanding of the different cultures that make up our community. It was wonderful to see the children’s curiosity, enthusiasm, and engagement throughout the week.
With grateful hearts, we wrap up our Samoan Language Week celebrations. Fa‘afetai tele lava and thank you!

This week,our centre launched the Samoan language celebration.During the event,children had the chance to review numbers in Samoan language and learn some Samoan song steps demonstrate by teacher Cathleen .This experience helps them to nurture the curiosity and openness their mind. They become aware of new cultures, and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of other people and customs that are different to their own. As they develop their language fluency, they increase their ability to communicate across cultures and interact positively with people from other countries.They also have the opportunity to sorting out different cards for healthy and unhealthy eating. This activity helps our children to build self-confidence and strengthens discipline and time management.

Kia ora whānau,
Today we officially started our PJ collection drive, and to mark the occasion, both tamariki and teachers came to the centre dressed in their pyjamas. It was a fun-filled day, with everyone excitedly showing off their cosy PJ outfits to one another.
Throughout the day, the tamariki participated in a variety of engaging activities. They worked together to decorate paper pyjamas, carefully gluing and sticking different materials, which helped strengthen their fine motor skills and encouraged collaboration with peers.
Later in the afternoon, the children enjoyed a bedtime-themed story session. Following the story, they created a story necklace and used the picture prompts to retell and recall parts of the story. This experience supported the development of their oral language, memory, and communication skills in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
Our PJ collection box is now set up at the centre, and we warmly welcome donations for the PJ Project. Every donation, big or small, can make a real difference in keeping a child warm this winter.
Thank you for your kindness and support as we help make a difference — one pair of PJs at a time.