Curriculum

As children start kindergarten, the emphasis is on the child belonging to kindergarten, developing self- help skills and feeling confident with routines, limits and boundaries.We work with the children from their strengths and interests so that children’s confidence to learn is promoted and their self esteem is nurtured.

At Torbay kindergarten we have a strong emphasis on contribution and the inclusion of the whanau. We encourage the children to have control over their own learning and provide a child- initiated programme.

We realise ideas from both teachers and children, making them become a reality and we encourage the children to ask questions and give guidance as to how to inquire and ask questions so that we can research possibilities together. In this respect teachers become provocateurs of learning. We also provide resources to enhance learning and continuously replenish and upgrade equipment.

It is our role as teachers to create an exciting environment with opportunities for exploration, experimentation and risk taking. We encourage peer mentoring and to have empathy and respect for others and belongings. We support this by providing positive role models for the children. We maintain a positive mode of learning so that the children know that we have respect and appreciation for things the children say and do.

At Torbay Kindergarten, we enjoy a focus with large group discussion tending towards interactive learning, including contributions from the wider community ie. parents and visitors. Children gain confidence with being part of a large group and participating alongside their peers.

We are inclusive of special need children ensuring they can participate in the programme and we liaise with special education services and other services like speech/language etc.

We take the morning session on excursions every term and we link these to the focus that is pertinent at the time. These trips are well planned and adhere to the policy set out by the Northern Auckland Kindergarten Association.

Torbay kindergarten values ICT and incorporates this into our daily processes by using the laptop, internet, computer games, photocopying, faxing, laminating and using the digital camera. The teachers help the children to develop skills with the equipment and further their abilities.

We also have a DVD recording camera and we are able to show these on our big screen TV. It is exciting to see our plays and special events on TV.