POHUTUKAWA PROGRAMME
The Centre comprises of two rooms to cater for the differing age ranges.
Each morning the children work in small groups with one teacher and participate in a structured group time. During group time children are exposed to a range of different concepts which increase their physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social development.
As well as being introduced to literacy and numeracy concepts the children experience many gross and fine motor activities which form the basis of reading and writing.
Although teachers recognise the importance of planned experiences they also encourage children to initiate their own play.
The Centre implements a ‘Warm Fuzzy’ and ‘Cold Prickly’ programme where the children are encouraged to treat each other fairly, kindly and emphatically.
The Pukeko Group
The Pukeko group is a targeted programme for our oldest children, it’s purpose is to support all children in their transition to school, to provide them with solid foundations and to instil in them a love of learning. We want the transition to school to be a smooth and positive experience for all our families.
During Pukeko group time children participate in a variety of experiences including language, maths, artistic and physical activities. Children are encouraged to listen to and follow instructions, to persevere with a task until complete, to participate and cooperate within their group and to grow in confidence.
Each day there are 3 specific planned group times in a seperate room with a teacher who has both early childhood and primary teaching qualifications and experience.
When the children are not involved in group time they participate in self-intiated experiences with all the Pohutukawa children and teacher.
POHUTUKAWA TEACHERS
Experienced early childhood and primary school teachers work in the Pohutukawa centre.
The 1:8 teaching ratio provides plenty of opportunity for the teachers to support the children with all their endeavors.
COMMUNICATION FROM THE POHUTUKAWA CENTRE
The children are actively encouraged to talk about their daily experiences and they often make special things to show families at the end of the day.
POHUTUKAWA CENTRE DAILY ROUTINE
7.30-9.30
Children arrive and are settled by the teachers
Activities are set up and children are encouraged to join in and say goodbye to their parent/s.
9:00
First Pukeko group time.
9.30-9:50
Tidy up time / Mat time
Children are encouraged to sit on the mat and take part in singing, stories, dancing with exposure to literacy and mathematical concepts.
9:50-10:15
Group time for all groups. The Pukeko groups second session.
Group Time
Group time involves the children splitting into seven groups and working on a variety of learning experiences with their group time teacher.
10.15-11.15
Hand washing / Morning Tea
After washing their hands children sit with a teacher and have morning tea. During this time the teacher is promoting healthy eating, independence and appropriate table manners
10.30-12.00
Inside / Outside Play and Independent Play
A range of experiences are offered both inside and outside and the children are encouraged to join in. The children also explore at their leisure.
12.00-12.30
Tidy up time / Mat Time
12.30-1.00
Lunch time
1.00-2.30
Rest Time / Independent Play
We encourage the children who require a rest to do so. Otherwise children are invited to explore a variety of areas inside and outside.
1.30-2.00
The Pukeko groups third session
2.30-3.15
Afternoon tea Time
3.15-4.00
Tidy Up Time / Mat Time
4.00-5.00
Independent Play
5.00-5.30
Late Snack
5.30-6.00
