Day in the Life
Ruahine Kindergartens’ programmes focus on innovative learning through play guided by Te Whāriki and the association’s strategic plan. Session structure differs between kindergartens, but all offer a combination of child-directed learning, teacher-facilitated learning and group time with an emphasis on fun.
Our kindergartens provide regular opportunities for children and their families to participate in excursions, strengthening ties with the wider community and extending children’s learning. We also welcome visitors into our centres to share their knowledge.
This section of our website offers an insight into the types of
activities taking place at Ruahine Kindergartens and how these relate
to the Te Whāriki curriculum. Please click on Johnny or Emily to read
about the inspiring learning experiences children may encounter during
a typical kindergarten session. Icons beneath each section indicate how
play and learning related to the strands of Te Whāriki are interwoven.
Click these icons for more information about the Te Whariki curriculum.
Johnny’s Day
8.30am - Welcome to kindergarten
Teachers and other families greet Johnny and his dad as they arrive at kindergarten. After kissing his dad goodbye, Johnny runs off to play in the playground with his friends. Through play he’s gaining confidence in and control of his body, exploring his environment and developing friendships.
9.00am - Mat time
Children, teachers, parent helps and teacher aides all come together on the mat to sing, dance and welcome one another. One of our teachers asks what greetings could be used. Johnny tells her we could use “kia ora” to greet one another because it’s Maori for hello. He is learning the language and symbols of his own and other cultures.
10.00am - Morning tea time
Johnny knows he must wash his hands before eating morning tea. He’s learning important self-help and self-care skills.
10.30am - Learning through play
Johnny decides to play outside and create an obstacle course for his peers. He works hard positioning different parts of the course but encounters a problem in adding a second tunnel. This tunnel’s not like the first, it’s curved and he can’t undo the knots to make it straight. After thinking for a while he approaches a teacher for help. She’s happy to help undo the knots but asks whether he’s considered adding it in its current shape. Johnny decides this may be a good idea as it provides an opportunity to change the direction of the course. Wonderful creative thinking and problem solving Johnny!
12.00pm - Tidy up time
During tidy up time Johnny clears away equipment he used to create his obstacle course. He’s learning responsibility as well as respect for others and the kindergarten environment. He understands kindergarten boundaries and his role in maintaining these.
12.15 - Shared lunch
Johnny washes his hands ready to share lunch with his peers. He enjoys interacting with teachers and other children at kindergarten.
12.45pm - Home time
Johnny’s mum arrives to pick him up. He waves goodbye to his teachers and friends after an exciting day at kindergarten.
Emily’s Day at Kindergarten
8.30am - Welcome to kindergarten
Emily and her mum are greeted by teachers and friends as they arrive at kindergarten. Emily is a bit shy and doesn’t want Mum to go straight away. Our teachers invite Emily’s mum to stay and join in with kindergarten activities. We understand she’s an important participant in Emily’s learning and has valuable knowledge to share.
9.00am - Mat time
Everybody gathers on the mat for a story. Teachers ask questions about the story as they read, allowing children to exchange and extend ideas. With other children contributing, Emily gains confidence and identifies the number of wheels on a car in the book.
10.00am - Morning tea time
Emily washes her hands and chooses a piece of fruit. She’s developing an understanding of healthy eating.
10.30am - Learning through play
Emily’s mum decides to go home and Emily joins some of the other children at the dress up box. Together they play and act out the story they’ve just heard. Emily’s engaging in dramatic play, discovering different ways to be creative and expressive.
When she’s finished playing with the other children at the dress-up-box Emily decides to move to the art table. She uses felt tip pens to draw on a page. One of our friendly teachers takes an interest in her work and asks what she’s creating. “I’ve done a whole lot of Emily!” she exclaims. Her efforts are impressive. Emily’s developing a great understanding that the marks she makes have real meaning and that people around her really value what she is writing.
12.30pm - Shared lunch
After farewelling the younger children and washing her hands, Emily sits down to have lunch with her friends. She knows she must wash her hands before eating to get rid of germs and stay healthy.
1.00pm - Music and movement
One of the teachers leads children in music and dancing. Songs are accompanied by actions and sung in different languages. Emily dances and enjoys the rhythm. She’s discovering new ways to communicate and express herself as well as developing an understanding of different cultures.
1.30pm - Learning through play
Emily decides to go outside and play at the water trough. She’s joined by Jayden who’s keen to show her what he’s found out about water pressure. Emily empties water from a bottle into one end of a clear pipe. When the pipe’s full, Jayden blows down the other end making the water spray out. Some water splashes onto Emily and they both laugh. Emily’s having fun learning alongside others.
2.15pm - Tidy up time
Emily and Jayden pack away the tube and bottle they were using at the water trough. They are developing an understanding of their role in keeping the kindergarten environment tidy and safe for other children.
2.30pm - Home time
Mum’s back to collect Emily. She waves goodbye to her teachers and friends after an inspiring day of play and learning.
