Settling into kindergarten

Settling can be daunting but we are so proud of all our new children at kindergarten who have settled in so well.

We know that having a good drop off experience is important for both children and parents. When children are starting kindergarten they are building and developing new relationships with peers and teachers. This can take time. Being positive when you talk to your child about their kindergarten experience builds a positive expectation for them. Talking in positive tones with reassuring words helps your child to settle. 

When you arrive at kindergarten, settling them into an activity that engages and excites them helps the goodbye process as well. Seek the support of the teaching team so that they can support you and your child as you say goodbye, helping to make it a positive experience.

"The quality and stability of a child's human relationships in the early years lay the foundation for a wide range of later developmental outcomes that really matter - self confidence and sound mental health, motivation to learn, achievement in school and later in life, the ability to control aggressive impulses and resolve conflicts in nonviolent ways, knowing the different between right and wrong, having the capacity to develop and sustain casual friendships and intimate relationships, and ultimately to be a successful parent oneself" (National scientific council of developing child, Harvard University, 2004).

 

"Nurturing and stable relationships with caring adults are essential to healthy human development beginning from birth. Early, secure attachments contribute to the growth of a broad range of competencies, including a love of learning, a comfortable sense of oneself, positive social skills, multiple successful competence and well being - individualised responsiveness, mutual action and interaction, and an emotional connection to another human being.... Relationships engage children in the human community that help them define what they are, what they can become and how and why they are important to other people" (National Scientific Council of Developing Child, Harvard University, 2004).

And don't fear, our older children have seized the opportunity to step up and be rangatira (leaders) for our new tamariki, supporting them as they settle into their kindergarten days, showing them all the good things to do at kindergarten and inviting them to be a part of their play.

# Relationships

The power of connecting with people...

Humans are social beings and relationships are fundamentally important to our well-being.  Our relationships with others stimulate feelings of belonging and with that sense of belonging, happiness and contentment thrive.  

The teaching team at Bream Bay Kindergarten are very mindful of this and therefore create opportunities for children to make connections and develop relationships.  In fact we believe relationships are the very foundation of a good settling routine...if children really feel that sense of belonging, they're generally happier and tend to settle quickly into the daily life of kindergarten. 

It's in our best interest to have happy well settled children, as this is when optimal learning can happen...happy, playful children are learning children!

Angela Owens states that “When children experience secure, supportive relationships, they feel respected and valued. This fosters the development of their self-confidence and their ability to act as independent agents in their personal care, and in the development and maintenance of successful relationships with others” (2012).  

Building relationships at kindergarten begins with a meaningful beginning through mihi whakatau...

 Haere mai, welcome...in the words of Dave Dobbyn "welcome home...we've made a space for you now"

 After introductions are made and time is taken to kanohi ki te kanohi, connect 'face to face' with each other, teachers are in a better position to nurture relationships between children based on their strengths and interests.  We strive to set children up for success, creating environments that foster friendships through co-operation and collaboration together.

The power of friendship...finding common interests and having fun together in an inviting play space.

 Zoey and Jaia build 'New York' together.

 Braxton and Kiarn 'shoot the breeze' while making 'cups of tea' together

Family ties offer another dimension to developing that sense of belonging at kindergarten.  How amazing it is to be able to share the kindergarten journey with the most important people in your life. 

Brothers and sisters share the love and cousins look after cousins.  

Whanau is so precious!

  “When children feel well, happy, secure and socially successful they are able to fully participate in, and learn from, the daily routines, play, interactions and experiences in their early childhood setting.” (Angela Owens, 2012).

It's that simple really, relationships are key!

To our extended kindergarten family old and new, we wish you the warmest welcome to kindergarten...it's been an awesome first week!  We're looking forward to creating some fun filled memories as we journey together through your child's early learning years.

Arohanui,

Tania

A Visitor To Kindergarten.

With calf club day fast approaching at local schools, there was an opportunity for a special guest to make an appearance at kindergarten. Lily the lamb visited kindergarten during the last week of term. 

"Children tend to value animals simply because they are. They recognize the intrinsic value of animals - that simply because they are living creatures, they are important" (Born Selly, 2014).

The children quickly got used to having a lamb at kindergarten. Lily simply became a part of the kindergarten environment. The children would stop to see what she was doing, watch her sleep, or try to get a cuddle as they played. 

There are many benefits of having animals in the early childhood setting which include:

• an opportunity for children who do not have animals at home to observe, interact, and make connections with animals
• an opportunity for children to develop an awareness of the world outside of themselves and their own needs
• an opportunity to facilitate social and emotional development  

Research shows that caring for an animal can increase feelings of self esteem and confidence, giving children a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The children were curious about Lily and found different ways to explore the experience of caring for a lamb.

Kaden and Benjamin encouraged Lily to play a game of chase...

Kendall-Lee and DJ stopped Lily from getting into any trouble in the garden.

Hemi and Poseidon enjoyed leading Lily all over kindergarten...

...while Lily enjoyed leading Ella-Breeze all over kindergarten!

However, feeding Lily proved to be the most popular way to care for her.

 "The power of caring for an animal and playing a role in the animal's well-being can be very meaningful for a young child. ...In their early years, children are busy trying to understand how they are capable and competent. Giving children the opportunity to participate in meaningful caring activities for a vulnerable creature can build tremendous confidence" (Born Selly, 2014).

"When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul" (A.D. Williams)