Bulls Kindergarten gets a move on
February 2011

Bulls Kindergarten is a hive of physical activity and healthy eating as teachers and children work towards achieving a Heart Foundation Healthy Heart Award.

As part of the initiative, the teaching team has recruited dedicated parent committee member and ex physical education teacher, Rachel Cunliffe, to take 30-40 minute active movement sessions during morning kindergarten.

Each session starts with a warm-up activity followed by loco motor activities like relays, cooperative games, body management and control, and ball skills.

Bulls Kindergarten teacher, Katrina, says, " the children have heaps of fun and we've noticed amazing progress in their listening skills as well as increased confidence to challenge their own physical skills and abilities".

She describes the active movement sessions as "a great extension of our already active kindergarten programme".

Early childhood centres must meet seven different criteria to obtain a Healthy Heart Award and these criteria can be achieved to three different levels.

Bulls Kindergarten hopes to obtain the Pa-harakeke - flourishing award, and will continue to work towards providing children with the best possible start through healthy eating and active movement.

Above: Children participate in active movement sessions at Bulls Kindergarten 

Cultivating learning at Bulls Kindergarten
October 2010

Parents, teachers and community volunteers are mucking in at Bulls Kindergarten to create a delicious new outdoor area, which will enhance children's learning through play and exploration. 

Scented gardens, vegetable gardens, an orchard, pergolas, a flagpole and a new carpentry area all feature on the kindergarten's plans to transform their spacious outdoor area into a natural wonderland.

Planting began during a working bee on October 16 thanks to the enthusiasm of parents and assistance from HEHE's Nutrition Fund.

Head teacher, Kerri, said, "planting the orchard was a huge highlight, the area now looks fabulous".

"Funds from the Whanganui Community Foundation and generous community support mean we can now look forward to moving ahead with more landscaping", she said. 

As a not-for-profit kindergarten, the Bulls teaching team and committee have had to fundraise every step of the way and are extremely thankful for the support they've received.

Despite the hurdles and hard work required to get to this stage of the project, the Bulls Kindergarten teaching team see the redevelopment as extremely important in promoting healthy practices and developing children's appreciation for the natural environment.

"It's also been a great way of bringing the community together, the support and enthusiasm surrounding this project has been overwhelming and it's a real testament to the strength of community spirit", Kerri said.

Above: Children and parents from Bulls Kindergarten plant trees for the new orchard during a kindergarten working bee

Young Scientists
June 2010

Children are discovering the wonders of the world around them with process science experiment kits at Bulls Kindergarten.

The kits, created by teachers, include photos and step-by-step instructions allowing children to conduct the experiments themselves, developing confidence and independence.

Head Teacher, Kerri, named the eno rocket as a standout favourite. This experiment involves filling a film canister with water and a soluble antacid powder causing it to explode up into the air.

Other kit experiments include bottle rockets, the glass of water trick and the foaming monster. Kerri was inspired to create the process science experiment kits by a colleague in the Hawkes Bay.

The kits are popular with all children at the kindergarten and the parents love them too. Teachers often put the kits out for children to use independently and children know they can ask for them at any time.

Other kindergarten science experiments include making sherbet, using balloons to generate static electricity, creating volcanoes in the sandpit and placing mentos in coke to create a fizzy fountain.

Science is everywhere. It is all around us and in many areas of the curriculum. Teachers and children at Bulls Kindergarten are continually exploring living science, chemistry, physics and biology.

This exploration is supported by interactive resources including a nature viewing table, magnifiers, light box, a well-stocked research library and bone collection.

Above: Science and discovery at Bulls Kindergarten