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    Curriculum

    Centre Philosophy Statement

    Here at Minimee we have created a home away from home for children and their whānau. Minimee has been designed to provide high-quality care, instilling a sense of belonging wrapped in aroha. We recognize and respond to dreams and desires that you have for your children’s learning and education. Our teachers work as a team, building respectful, responsive, and reciprocal relationships with children and whānau.

    We are inspired by aspects of the Reggio Emilia approach to teaching where the environment is considered the third teacher. Projects and investigations are captured from the language of children, their interests, their community (both local and global), and their family events. Play is how children learn and at Minimee the role of the teacher is that of a facilitator. All children will have the time, resources, and support they need to fully immerse themselves in play that interests them. Their natural enthusiasm and curiosity encourage an understanding of the world around them and develop a lifelong love of learning.

    In our practice, we implement the four guiding principles of Te Whāriki: Empowerment, Holistic Development, Relationships, and Community and Family. We recogzise, acknowledge, and celebrate the cultural identity of each teacher, child and, whānau within our Centre. We are committed to the bicultural partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

    Our vision is to deliver rich learning experiences for your children to discover, explore, and grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators; healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.

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    Project Work and Investigations

    The teachers spend a lot of time observing and listening to the children. They notice their interests and then meet regularly as teams to plan around what the interests are.

    A project or investigation then begins and can go on for short periods of time (just a few days) or long periods of time (sometimes several months). The teachers take on the roles of facilitators in these projects and will learn alongside the children, promoting discussions and interactions, setting up provocations or changing the environment, providing new resources or materials, and documenting the learning and progression of the project.

    Projects and investigations happen in all of our rooms at Minimee and they play a very important role in our day-to-day life here. Sometimes there are a few projects running at a time and other times there is just one.

    Not all children necessarily need to be involved in a project but they may be involved in another one. It is important to keep in mind that the projects will always be meaningful for the group of children and through the projects the children learn research skills and develop working theories about the world around them. Family and community participation is also very important in project work as it adds depth to the project and strengthens the partnership.

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    The Learning Environment as “The Third Teacher”

    The layout and design of the learning environments and the resources that are chosen are a significant part of the philosophy. Areas for small group activities are developed, a range of open-ended materials including natural and sensory-rich items are carefully selected, provocations (resources, books, and materials set on a table or in an area) to inspire the children and extend on their interests. In the Reggio philosophy, we see the learning environment as the third teacher as we believe it plays such an important role in the development of learning.

    Our vision is to deliver rich learning experiences for your children to discover, explore, and grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators; healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.

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    Relationships and Community

    Building relationships with each other and the local community is important in the Reggio as it adds depth and meaning to the children’s learning. Working together as a team—the children and parents and teachers—helps to give children opportunities to discuss ideas, negotiate, debate, and support each other. Discussions help us to hear each other's ideas which in turn develops our thinking.

    In our practice, we implement the four guiding principles of Te Whāriki: Empowerment, Holistic Development, Relationships, and Community and Family.

    We recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the cultural identity of each teacher, child, and whānau within our Centre. We are committed to the bicultural partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

    Storypark Online Portfolio

    We are very proud to use Storypark here at Minimee as a tool for involving parents and whanau in the learning that happens at the centre.

    Storypark is a secure online portfolio that is owned and controlled by the parent. Your child's teaching team will add stories, photographs, videos, and other documentation that shows the learning and development here at Minimee which will be sent directly to your email inbox. You are able to comment on our updates, add your own and share your child's Storypark page with friends and family near and far.

    We have been using Storypark since 2014 and have found it very successful in strengthening the relationships between Minimee and home and we look forward to sharing it with new families who enrol at Minimee.

    For more information about Storypark, check out their website here!

    Education Review Office Feedback

    Children, parents, and whanau are warmly welcomed into the centre. They are involved with teachers in leading and contributing to a program that is responsive to children's interests and parents aspirations.

    Teachers respond to the needs of each individual child with sensitivity and aroha. This is a deep respect evident in teacher's interactions with children. Teachers work with children and their parents/whanau to guide and support the next steps in learning.

    Children are valued and respected learners. Children are allowed to learn at their own pace in a well-resourced, calm, and inclusive environment.

    Children learn and play in stimulating and attractive environments with resources that provide opportunities for challenges, exploration, and creativity. Teachers integrate literacy, numeracy, and science naturally within the program.

    We hope you find the information in our website useful. If you have any questions or would like to enrol, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you into our centre.

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