We believe children learn through play and exploration which gives children ownership over their learning. The intention of our curriculum is to provide an effective learning environment through a play based programme that ensures the children’s intellectual, physical and social needs are met and that each child will learn in their own way and at their own pace.
From our babies and toddlers room to the preschool areas, our age-appropriate curriculum builds on each child’s individual needs, strengths, abilities, interests and aspirations. We aim to support Pasifika and Maori children by embedding our values and curriculum documents Te Whāriki, Tapasā and Tātaiako.
Our dedicated infants and toddlers areas ensures our littlest whanau members get the calming environmenttheir mind and body needs. This including a sleep room. The spacious and light-filled preschool area is a hub of numerous activities that prepare children for their school life.
The key focus areas of our curriculum are:
Identity and culture
Every child should be celebrated for who they are and what they can bring to an early learning environment. Children at Lots of Hugs are given opportunities to contribute to the life of the centre in a way that fits with their learning needs.
Self-esteem and respect
Each child should be respected for their own strengths and abilities while learning the skills necessary to show the same respect for themselves, others and their environment. The teachers at Lots of Hugs use positive role modelling to show children how we can respect others while still respecting ourselves.
Participation and Inclusion
Children and Lots of Hugs are given the skills necessary to work collaboratively alongside others. This includes knowing how to share their own ideas, listen to the ideas of others and feel as though they are valued within the learning environment.
Language and Expression
Children are given opportunities to learn language in a way that helps them gain social competence and also the ability to explore. They understand that their ideas are valid and that they can ask questions freely in order to gain the information they need to learn effectively.
Curiosity and Inquiry
Children should be free to explore their learning environment in a way that they see fit. Children learn actively through play and hold the skills and strategies needed to make new discoveries and gain new knowledge. They are offered quality teaching strategies that assist them in receiving the best possible opportunities in their education.