Textiles and creativity
July 2011

It may be the holidays, but Milverton Kindergarten teacher Jo Dean plans to continue sharing her knowledge as a presenter at the 2011 Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Art Educators (ANZAAE) Conference.

Before training as a teacher, Jo completed a Diploma of Fashion and Design Technology at Unitec in Wellington and spent 10 years working in a made-to-measure boutique.

So, when she was asked to complete Massey University's Bachelor of Education Honours programme, researching the use of textiles in kindergarten seemed like the perfect fit.

Jo's research covered six areas of learning, but one area of particular interest was the way in which textiles stimulate children's creativity and imagination.

"Some children just have amazing imaginations and extend themselves so much when they go into different characters and roles. I've found children who are not confident communicators are better able to express themselves when they have a prop or a costume", she said. 

"Sewing is another way children use textiles at kindergarten. Sewing is a skill but also stimulates creativity. The skill of creativity requires exercise to grow and flourish."

Jo described threading a needle as a good activity for developing fine motor skills.

"Working with a thread and needle is likened to the pencil grip we encourage young children to learn, just used in a different context."  

Jo plans to use current case studies from Milverton Kindergarten alongside research in her 25-minute presentation, and is looking forward to networking with delegates from across the education spectrum.

Wheels in motion
April 2011

Held in Milverton Park on Friday April 1st, the annual Milverton Kindergarten Wheelathon was a great success. 

Bikes of all shapes and sizes were decorated during the morning session before children hit the track in the evening supported by family and friends. 

There was a sausage sizzle, a sandpit dig, a bouncy castle face painting and even a police car. 

All money raised during the event will assist Milverton Kindergarten in ensuring children receive the best possible start. 

Above: Pedal power - children race around the Milverton Kindergarten Wheelathon track

Above: Children line up in Milverton Park for the Milverton Kindergarten Wheelathon. 

Wibbly wobbly fun at Milverton
August 2010

Children at Milverton Kindergarten welcomed a magical visitor, August 31 2010. 

In amongst silly nonsense and magical words "wibbly wobbly", Zappo the Magician delivered a more serious sun and water safety message. 

Along with puppet friends Sydney Shark and Helena Queen of the Seas, Zappo encouraged children to consider the environment and recycle any plastic to protect the habitats of underwater creatures. 

Above: Zappo introduces Sydney Shark

Above: Mackenzie helps Zappo with his tricky flower

Milverton Kindergarten turns butterfly sanctuary
June 2010

Young conservationists at Milverton Kindergarten rescued around 30 freezing monarch butterflies from the gutter outside their kindergarten last Friday morning.

Parents and children noticed the butterflies lying amongst leaves in the gutter.

Fearing the creatures may have been killed by icy conditions, children, teachers and parents scooped them up and brought them into the warmth of the kindergarten.

Once inside, the temperature-sensitive butterflies came to life and fluttered around the centre to the wonderment of the children.

When asked how many butterflies there were, Georgia Packer (4) exclaimed "lots and lots", demonstrating the butterfly house she'd created using a tissue box.

Milverton Kindergarten's swan plants currently sport three chrystalises and children have been learning all about the lifecycle of monarch butterflies.

Earlier in the year, driven by children's interests, teachers hired a Mini Beast kit from Te Manawa with insect-related information and hands-on activities to extend children's learning.

Above: Georgia with the butterflies rescued at Milverton Kindergarten