Our Curriculum
Te Whāriki
The National Curriculum for Early Childhood Education is Te Whāriki, with the desired outcome of empowering children to learn and grow in a holistic way through developing children’s sense of well-being, belonging, contribution, communication and exploration skills in a safe and secure environment. Our educarers have a sound understanding of this important guiding document, that we use as a guide to ensure we are providing successful learning outcomes for all children.
Our Programme
Our programme supports children to have the freedom to achieve as we believe that “play is the work of the child” (Maria Montessori). It is when children have these opportunities that they develop a love for being life-long learners and active participants in their lives. Instead of teaching, we support and guide children alongside their learning journeys, recognising and following their sensitive periods and interests that emerge whilst discovering the world around them. Our programme offers children the choice of working alone or alongside others as they develop independence and social competence in their learning environment.
Environment
We pride ourselves in our homely, children proportioned and prepared environment, designed for the children to take control of their own learning with natural materials and selected key pieces of Montessori equipment that encourage children to learn and discover the world around them at their own pace. Children have the freedom to choose materials, activities and experiences that inspire them to learn as they develop respect for themselves, others and the environment. Our outdoor spaces are open and create lots of opportunities for freedom of movement, surrounded by natural climbing equipment and different terrains to explore.
Our Montessori programme honours and incorporates Te Whāriki to provide holistic learning opportunities for all children.
Learning Curves respects the unique position of Māori as Tangata Whenua in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We encourage an awareness and appreciation of the bi-cultural heritage of our country and honour the partnership with Te Tiriti O Waitangi. We will continue to offer exciting learning opportunities and possibilities for children where they can experience symbols of their own and other cultures and develop acceptance and understanding of differences.
At Learning Curves we support each child by supporting the child to develop their natural tools for learning. The RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy is seen through our responsive and respectful approach to supporting children’s needs while giving them agency and responsibility for their learning and development. Children experience nurturing attachment relationships with primary caregivers through care moments and exploration. Our focus is on respectful practices that build trust and ensure time for quality care moments, uninterrupted play and freedom of movement.
"Let the child be the scriptwriter, the director and the actor in his own play."
Magda Gerber
The learning and assessment of each child will celebrate individuals and their learning and will enable the child to lead their own learning path through their interests with strong support and identification of learning by a trained teaching team. Positive interactions, observation, role modelling and listening to children will ensure we hear the ‘child’s voice’ and in turn offer children the opportunity to contribute to their own ongoing learning journey.
We endeavour to empower children with skills and attitudes which will equip them for life. The Montessori philosophy promotes respect, independence, encourages problem solving and challenge, and develops social skills, confidence, and an internal self belief. Within the learning environment we will celebrate children’s learning by making learning visible’ thus promoting belonging and enabling children opportunities to revisit their own learning with a sense of pride and achievement.