"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless,
but planning is indispensable."
-
Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Welcome
Welcome to June and finally to
Level 1
.
We are still
maintaining
our stringent
hygiene practices
– but it is great to see the daily routine get back to normal.
Throughout lockdown our Zoom Mat Times
kept the ball
, and the
curriculum, rolling
.
Some
parents ask
us – was the programme simply busy-work to keep the children entertained, or
was there more to it than that?
So, this month we are going to talk about the
planning which
goes on behind the scenes
.
Scroll down to learn more about the
preparation
and
strategy
which our teachers apply to ensure
each child is nurtured
and
developed
in the very
best way
.
As always, our
door is open
if you have any questions about the
planning
which is
applied to your child and their classroom
.
John
&
Alina Cook
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Save The Date
for
The Teddy Bears Picnic
FRIDAY
10th July
We will bake yummy treats on-site with the kids ...
… followed by a
fun picnic lunch
Teddy’s of
all shapes
and
sizes
are invited to join us at the
Happy Hearts
Teddy Bears Picnic
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The picnic will take place indoor/outdoor dependent on weather - so Teddy will not need a raincoat !
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WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO...
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We have all settled back in nicely here at Happy Hearts.
Routine is back in full swing
and the
kids
are
joyous
and
happy
– as if they had never been away.
As the
weather turns colder,
more children are opting for
indoor activities
and
games
.
However, the children love those
warm hours
in the middle of the day when they can
still run, jump, climb and play.
The
sandpit
is a
huge favourite
no matter what the weather. And
puddles
on rainy days are a source of both
laughter
and
mess
. We always make sure they are
clean
,
dry
and
comfortable
after messy or sandy play – so, please make sure your little ones have
plenty of spare dry clothes
and
socks
in their bag.
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This is actually a
big part
of their
independence training
. Washing their hands, then choosing clean, dry clothes and re-dressing themselves, (where possible), is
part of any programme which involves messy play.
Room 3 has been
exploring art
, including learning all about
different painters
and their
various styles.
Once they have talked about an artist, there is much enjoyment as the
children try out the various painting styles
themselves.
Drip painting
has been a great
favourite
, and the children are
immensely proud
of their colourful art wall.
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FIND OUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR
CHILD’S CLASSROOM
Each room at Happy Hearts is different.
Each age group has specific needs, so every room will focus on their own curriculum tailored to the children in that class.
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ROOM 1
Click here
to read more about what is the current focus in ROOM 1
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ROOM 2
Click here
to read more about what is the current focus in ROOM 2
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ROOM 3
Click here
to read more about what is the current focus in ROOM 3
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Matariki Celebrations start on
June 22nd.
The Maori New Year is celebrated over the months of June and July.
This year
Matariki itself occurs on July 13th.
It is a time to
be with family
, remember departed loved ones, include plenty of song and dance, and of course, enjoy a
celebration meal together as extended Whanau.
Making and flying kites
is popular - traditionally representing
communication with those who have passed on,
connecting heaven and earth.
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At Happy Hearts we will be introducing lots of stories and activities to
help the children learn
more about this very special time of
year in the Kiwi calendar.
The children always
love the legend of the Seven Sisters
, a fable created about the Pleiades – the seven stars visible in our skies at this time.
If you can,
rug up snug, make a hot chocolate
and take the kids outside on a clear, starry night to see if you can
find the Seven Sisters
together
.
The stars are visible at different times -
sometimes just after sunset, but often
later in the evening. Or even early morning. A good rule to follow is, if you can
find Orion, (or The Pot),
high in the sky, you should be able to find the cluster.
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HAPPY HEARTS - BEHIND THE SCENES
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PLANNING
Regular readers of our mail-outs know we always include a quote matched to the theme of the newsletter.
This month our reference is from Dwight D. Eisenhower
In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable
.
This concept could not be more appropriate for ECE teachers.
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Strong
and
sound planning
is the
foundation
of any
successful curriculum
.
But an ECE teacher
must be ready
at a moment's notice to
change plans mid-way
and be
led by the children’s interests.
Child-led themes.
This is where
solid preparation
and planning comes in. Once a teacher has planned their goals and outcomes, they can
alter their daily plans quickly
and
efficiently,
in the event the
children’s attention
takes a
different direction
.
This is the difference between Planning and Plans.
Te Whāriki
plays a unifying role by outlining principles for our curriculum development, strands that describe
valued learning
, goals relating to the provision of a
supportive learning environment
, and
learning outcomes
.
Behind the scenes we are constantly reading, updating and researching the best ways to achieve this, and
teach the children
in our care.
One of the benefits of three separate classrooms is that
each age-group
has a
team of teachers
planning and strategising
especially for them
.
Each child
is in
our vision
and
focus
. We look deeply to
discover
and
understand what drives each child
so we, as a team, can extend that interest.
Often you will hear teachers talk about ‘non-contact time’ or ‘office time’. Teachers are always
observing, taking notes, sharing thoughts, and planning the next step
. Each teacher will take time out of the classroom to collate this information or put that next step into action.
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This will often involve
the planning
of
new experiences
, introduction of new resources or
implementing a new process
into our routine.
Teachers are
busy creatures
, always
learning about each child
,
determined they will have an
amazing
and
meaningful
early childhood experience.
Planning is our foundation –
the rule which we live by.
Our teachers are
fluid and flexible
, because they work with children.
But,
even if a daily plan changes
, the foundational goal is always concrete
and intact.
A
teacher who has planned
will always know
where they are
heading – even if the
route changes slightly
along the way.
Want to learn more about The
Planning Behind The Planning?
Scroll down to find out more.
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HOW TO MAKE AND USE
SALT PUFFY PAINT
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THE PLANNING BEHIND THE PLANNING
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Strategic planning starts even further back in the system than the teachers themselves.
Well thought out and considered programmes – especially those catering to each child’s personal needs and skill level –
begins with
Centre Planning.
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Each teacher needs
time off the floor;
quiet time in which to
evaluate each child
, their needs and their potential.
However, the classroom still needs to
function at optimum levels.
This is where the
Centre Director will have planned ahead
and built a team of support, namely our
Relief Team.
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Each reliever is
trained in the protocol
of each classroom, and will be familiar with both the
routine and, more importantly,
the children themselves
.
Our Relief Team means a teacher can step away from the floor,
confident the child/teacher ratio is maintained
and knowing the children will have already formed a relationship with their interim carer.
Each room is comprised of a team of teachers
dedicated to that room
and that age group.
Our Centre Director
schedules regular staff meetings,
and also ensures team meetings are a
frequent occurrence
, resulting in
an inclusive approach
where all staff work together for the best outcome.
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Enjoy June!
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T:
09 412 7745
M:
021 352 140
www.happyheartselc.co.nz
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