Learning Program
Children’s best learning and memories take place in relationship with adults who matter and in nature. That’s why, at Kakapo Creek we have taken special care to maintain a constant, long term caregiver so that the child-teacher relationship is optimised. We’ve also designed an environment that is rich in nature including our native forest school.
Children spend time every day in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, closely connected to teachers who know them and their family. Our teachers encourage a sense of wonder and delight in our children ensuring that their natural curiosity, joy and energy is nurtured.
OVER TWO YEARS
Because we understand the importance of a child’s first 1000 days we only enrol children over two years of age.
Children are placed in family styled classrooms that are the best fit for their unique personality and maturity levels.
We use constant caregivers so there is no changing teacher and classrooms on a child’s birthday. Research shows that this is best for children’s emotional and social development.
Children may be enrolled part time or full time.
READING AND NUMERACY
We use a phonics reading program and an integrated numeracy program in teaching literacy and maths skills.
No child is forced to learn and teachers carefully watch for signs of interest in these concepts and encourage each individual child as they are ready.
Most learning takes place through incidental play and conversations, while our dedicated school readiness program works with children nearing school age..
FARM-FOREST SCHOOL
Once a week Kakapo Creek Children are invited to go on an excursion to our Northern Campus – a day spent at our very own 1.2ha farm-forest in Silverdale. Here children will explore our one acre bush, care for and learn about our animals – chickens, miniature farm animals, fish, and grow vegetables in our glass house and walled vegetable garden and pick organic fruit from our orchard. Children will be able to roam free, explore our native bush and roll down grassy hills. This one day a week farm-forest school is in addition to our frequent exploration walks to the local playground and Mairangi Bay beach. Note: our Northern Campus is only for fully toilet trained children over the age of three.
