Curriculum

Curriculum describes everything that happens in the Centre that impacts on your child’s learning, development and wellbeing. Our curriculum is based on Te Whaariki: The New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum and covers; activities children initiate themselves, daily rituals and routines that occur in the centre, and learning experiences that our teachers plan.

Our Nursery is influenced by Emmi Pikler.  Our toddler room and preschool rooms are inspired by Emilio Reggio, with a philosophy that empowers all with traditional Kiwi values.  We also integrate technology into all activities including the use of computers and cameras.

Principles
Curriculum principles that we adhere to:

• Activities should be carefully matched to the development stage and abilities each individual child has reached.
• Children are central as the decision-makers and initiators, constructing their own knowledge through active learning.
• The people (adults and children) with whom the child interacts are of central importance.
• We focus on what the child can do (not what they can't do)
• The imagination is a critical part of a child's inner structure. Under the right conditions it will emerge.
• A child's success is rewarded with encouragement and specific praise.
• Children need time away from adults so they can create 'worlds of their own'.
• Parents are the child's first and main educators in the early years.
• Everything interlinks - learning is not compartmentalised.
• Children should be helped to review their own learning.

In practice
What does this mean in practice for your child?

• Children learn with and alongside others.
• They should feel good about who they are.
• Learning includes developing a sense of belonging and independence.
• Physical abilities need to be developed.
• Creative abilities such as art, musical dance and movement are also important.
• Acceptable boundaries and limits are respected.
• Children are helped to develop language and listening skills
• Learning to look after yourself, others, belongings and environment are fundamental skills.
• Building on early maths, science and reading skills at the child's own pace.
• Encouraging problem solving, negotiation skills and the resilience to challenge themselves.
• Learning about, appreciating and respecting individual choices.
• Developing the confidence to assert themselves honestly with guidance.
• Having fun in an enjoyable environment.

Parents  and Whanau
Parents  and Whanau are a critical part of every child's learning. Therefore, at Natural Steps, communication with you is one of the most important things we can do. We'll keep you informed every step of the way, through email, newsletters, our Weekly Steps , your child's on-line portfolio and of course our staff are available to talk to every day.