NEWSLETTER
August 2021
It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.

― Ann Landers
Hello everyone 😊

Well, here we go again!

As New Zealand undergoes a Level 4 lockdown, we are gearing up to bring you our popular Zoom Mat-Times. The schedule and links will be posted on Storypark.

Prior to lockdown, the Centre was buzzing as the classrooms kept up with current events such as Matariki and the Olympics, while still carrying out their usual curriculum.

We have really enjoyed some parents coming into Happy Hearts and contributing to our learning programme – thanks Ash and Matt. We would love to invite and encourage other parents to do the same. If you think you would like to take part, stop by and have a chat with either John or Alina once we are back to normal operating levels.

An important piece of Housekeeping:
Parents, please remember to sign the Weekly Attendance Sheet. These can be found above the lockers as you enter the room. 
Thank you for your assistance in this matter. 
 
Stay safe, and stay well.



John & Alina Cook
ZOOM MAT-TIMES

are returning !!!
A great way for the little ones to re-connect with their friends.
Remember – your child is welcome to join any session.
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO...
It has been a very topical time here at Happy Hearts.
First we enjoyed celebrating Matariki and the classrooms created themes to celebrate this long-running event.
Matariki integrates with story-telling, Maori and Te-reo activities, science and art combine to understand about the stars or kite-making. And … of course … the annual favourite … cooking. The children love to chop (safely and with lots of teacher-help) and take part in making our traditional Matariki soup.
The children learnt about the importance of family/whanau in these celebrations. Sharing food/kai, playing games, singing and dancing. Thank you to all our Happy Hearts families for contributing so many vegetables to enable us to share, cook and eat kai together. 
Some parents don’t believe us when we tell them how much their child loved the vege soup – many asking for a second serving.
We moved on to a new theme once the Olympics came around.

We followed and learnt all about the Olympic games - especially about the countries that are participating and about the various sports.

The children are fascinated with our resources which teach about muscles and bones and how to stay fit and healthy.
With all these group activities, we make sure to continue to foster Independent Play which is important to develop:
Creativity
Problem-solving
Learning what they’re good at
Confidence
Self–regulation

Our head teachers talk more about Independent Play for their specific age groups - scroll down to read more.
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.
ROOM 1
to read more about what is the current focus in ROOM 1
ROOM 2
to read more about what is the current focus in ROOM 2
ROOM 3
to read more about what is the current focus in ROOM 3
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Happy Hearts goes to the movies.
Sometimes it’s great to curl up with your friends and watch a movie.

And winter is always a great time to chill out with a few fictional monsters and some snacks.
Rooms 2 and 3 combine for these special afternoons.

The older kids do a wonderful job of looking after their toddler friends.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Extra Clothing

Even though it is winter, outdoor play is still a big part of the day.

There is so much to discover. Puddles and mud-pies, sandcastles and leaves, twigs and insects from the trees.

This does mean that the children frequently change into clean, dry clothing.

So please send along enough back-up outfits for your little one to have fun, but stay dry and warm.
Please make sure all clothing is labelled.
HAPPY HEARTS & HOME
WORKING TOGETHER

Of course socialisation is important.
But Independent Play is an important part of a child's development.
Some ‘alone time’ is just as important for children as it is for adults.

And children thrive when they are given the space and opportunity to investigate, experiment and work things out for themselves.
Even within a large social group, such as day-care, it is not uncommon to see a child take themselves away and enjoy some play time just in their own world. They are choosing to spend time with themselves.

This is something to be aware of during Level 4 when many homes are experiencing more ‘family time’ than usual.
It’s wonderful to have some extra time with the kids and engage in fun activities which often don’t make it into a working week.
But, it is also a good idea to ensure your little ones have some space to do their own thing once in a while.

This can be as simple as setting up an activity, then leaving them to it.

It can be any activity your child enjoys – just stand back and stay quiet.
On a fine afternoon, rug up, (it’s still chilly), and encourage your child to explore, investigate, work out and discover.

Resist asking questions or other verbal engagement – leave them in their own little world where their thoughts and understanding occurs organically.
When faced with the constraints of lockdown some great activities to set up and leave are:

  • Blocks or construction activities
  • Play-dough or Slime
  • Books or puzzles
  • Art
  • A box filled with ‘things’ to rummage through
  • ‘Alone’ role-play such as toy tea-parties

Follow your child’s lead. When they are bored or done with their task, they will let you know.
Enjoy the rest of August!

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T: 09 412 7745 M: 021 352 140
www.happyheartselc.co.nz