Term 1 Week 7

Te Wananga Time...

Hide your eyes and wait for Judy's surprise!

Each day at 1pm the group come together for Wananga Time/Discussion Time. This is a quiet time in the afternoon where both children and teachers share current events and issues, such as the Christchurch Earthquakes, share stories from home, enjoy books with links to our wider programme and so on. This week, being Sea Week, we have shared tales, books, songs and shells as we deepen our knowledge and understandings of the natural world around us. Again, building on to this Term's Dispositional Planning Focus around Identity (check out our Planning Wall beside the Parent Pockets and our documentation in the Parent Corner - we love to share our learning with families). 

Discovery Time...

On a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the 10 oldest children join each other in the Project Room for Discovery Time; instead of partaking in Wananga time. The focus here is on group skills with a appreciation for School Readiness. Being a part of the group, a team member, a contributor, a debater, a questioner, a leader, a follower... all important roles for building our skills for working together/socialisation. Problem solving in the group context, sharing ideas, valuing the opinions of others, having a voice -> interdependence... learning how to use the skills and expertise of those around us, as well as building a sense of our own value and capabilities. This week the group have worked on their individual and group entries for the AgFest Gumboot Design Competition. As always, we love to showcase the talents of our creative tamariki/children, and it is fabulous to see families take the time to stop and appreciate their works as we proudly display these around the Kindergarten. 

Toyota Car Competition...

You may have noticed some of our busy tamariki working on their blue-prints for the nationwide Toyota Dream Car Design Competition. Sally has dropped these off to the Couriers this week...We wait in anticipation!

Entrance Way...

Check out our entrance way! Over the past few weeks the children have been working on their self-portraits and sharing with the teachers: "What makes Winton Kindergarten special to me?" This is a work in progress and will be added to as more works of art are created! Again, with links to our Term Dispositional Focus around Identity, the children have physically been "looking" at who they are in the 3-way mirrors and noticing what makes them unique! LOTS of discussion around the fact that there is no one in the world quite like us! Our Philosophy at Kindy encompasses the Reggio Emilia Inspired approach to teaching and learning, which includes the value placed on "Individuals within a group, not a group of individuals" - depicted throughout our programme, documentation, and displays such as at the entrance.

Forest Kindy...

Another fabulous week at the Reserve...We welcome Spencer White to the group, kia ora! As always, our fabulous 'Nurtured by Nature' Forest Kindy Programme, along with all our other special days, would not be possible without the continued support and input of our Winton Kindy Families...Thank you.

Upcoming Events....

Wednesday 9th of March - Sharon Holt joins us for a session of Te Reo fun! All welcome to join

Thursday the 17th of March - Culture Night at Kindy. Our Parent Group have  a fun-filled family night planned for us all...Please join us with the whole family for a shared tea and games...A fabulous opportunity to get to know your Winton Kindy Community.

Friday the 19th of March - Easter Bonnet/Hat Creations due for entry into the Winton Community Market (we will wear these for the Mad Hatters Tea Party the following week). 

Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th of March @ 10am - Easter Celebrations Mad Hatters Tea Party...All warmly welcomed, invites went out in Parent Pockets this week with more details.

Tuesday the 29th of March - No Kindy

Wednesday the 30th of March - Tanya Batt @ Kindy! All warmly welcome to attend.