top of page
How We Teach
At Sunflowers we are culturally sensitive towards Tikanga Maori values (working in line to the Treaty of Waitangi aspect of the Early Childhood Curriculum). We therefore ask that no one sits on any tables and food preparation surfaces within the Sunflowers environment to show respect. This includes all ages from infants through to adults.
At Sunflowers children are set learning outcomes. We are keen to know the aspirations that you have for your child. We formally ask for your aspirations around your child’s birthday. Your child learning stories can be found in their ‘Whanau Book’ at Sunflowers. If you would like a copy emailed please just ask.
The children are involved in learning how to turn take, negotiate, share and respect each other’s wishes. We also encourage children to be kind, caring and helpful towards each other. ‘Care Bear’ and ‘The Helping Star’ are soft toys that the children are rewarded with if showing these skills. Children are also encouraged to act in the Sunflower ways. Gentle hands, Listening ears, Kind words, Walking feet inside are just some of our expectations.
If you feel your child is finding some learning difficult please talk to your teachers. This maybe in areas like gifts or talents, child behaviours, culture/language, health aspects like hearing, vision and speech and physical or cognitive (thinking skills) abilities. We aim to provide a programme and curriculum that reduces any barriers to learning and provide support for child and whanau. Your child may be able to get extra support through the Ministry of Education or other services. Please ask for help.
Ages & Stages
As your child moves toward going to school the teachers support their learning by developing their
Self Help skills when playing and following routines
Gaining independence to take up their own interests
Caring for their belongings and getting them to and from their own bag.
Understanding routines and learning times like mat time, kai time and group times.
Skills for listening and following instructions from friends and teachers
Knowledge of how to express themselves and use oral language for opportunities like news time and mat times in a group environment.
Developing name recognition and understanding of what their name looks like.
Symbol knowledge for language, speaking and writing (letters, numbers and sounds)
Skills and strength to hold a pencil through both fine and gross motor skill experiences
Develop an interest in writing through drawing, writing and painting.
The programme includes 2 planned times during the day when children are involved in group activities for them to practice their skills so they are ‘Ready for school’. We encourage all children that are 4 years or older to be part of these activities. Younger children can get involved if interested and keen.
Children visit the local schools with their preschool teachers within 6 months of starting school. We also have visits from the New Entrance teachers to Sunflowers and time for parents and children to meet and ask questions. We encourage parents to enrol their child 2-3 months before and organise their child schools visits before their 5 birthday. They can have 2-3 visits half and full days depending on the school. Ask about the school bus routes and school zones in the Hurunui Area.
Any further information and clarification please not hesitate to ask. All conversations are confidential. We are looking forward to meeting you and your child.
Other Parent Pages
bottom of page