Curriculum | Little Preschoolers

Curriculum Design

At Little Preschoolers, we strive to ensure that tamariki experience a curriculum that is mana-enhancing and empowering for development and further learning. We provide tamariki with an inclusive and accessible curriculum that fosters their social and emotional engagement to develop their sense of belonging. Our kaimahi (staff) actively exercise cultural competency, expanding the use of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori to form reciprocal relationships and uphold tangata whenua. Our curriculum design ensures that priorities for learning are promoted and supported through interactions and learning experiences so that tamariki can reach their full potential.

Our curriculum design follows five fundamental principles:

Mana aotūroa | Exploration

Tamariki interact in an environment where their interests, strengths and aspirations are valued to become confident learners.

Mana whenua | Belonging

Tamariki and their whānau are able to connect with other whanaunga, places and things of the world.

Mana reo | Communication

We uphold a culturally safe environment where tamariki develop communication skills to express themselves.

Mana Atua | Wellbeing

Tamariki and whānau emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing is nurtured by kaimahi (staff).

Mana tangata | Contribution

Kaiako provide equitable learning opportunities for all to treat others inclusively, recognise their abilities, and become affirmed individuals.

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Local Curriculum

Little Preschoolers incorporates principles and strands in collaboration with tamariki and whānau to generate a local curriculum of valued learning, considering the aspirations and priorities of local hapū, iwi and community.

Mangakotukutuku inspired the foundation of our localised curriculum, bringing together the foundations of whānau, values and community that complete Little Preschoolers.

Mangakotukutuku translates into English as "stream of the native tree fuschia". The Mangakotukutuku stream flows through Glenview, Bader, Melville and Fitzroy suburbs before connecting with the Waikato River.

We have incorporated the Mangakotukutuku stream as a focus of our local curriculum at Little Preschoolers to emphasise the significance of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in restoring and protecting Indigenous ecosystems and biodiversity.

Ngā tamariki is represented as the fuchsia flowers of Mangakotukutuku, which thrive in a nurturing and supportive setting that values their interests and aspirations, displaying manaakitanga.

Bees who act as key contributors to the ecosystem symbolise ngā tamariki extended whānau and friends. Gathering nectar and pollinating flowers constitute whānau, friends and kaiako providing support to the tamariki, exhibiting whanaungatanga,

Rocks of Mangakotukutuku, hold a strong foundation that amounts to every member of the Little Preschoolers community functioning as a pillar of support, demonstrating tuakana-teina.

Mangakotukutuku stream embodies the continuous flow of learning and equitable opportunities to facilitate curiosity and exploration. This illustrates ako, where kaiako, whānau and tamariki learn from each other through a continuous journey of growth.

Our curriculum design acknowledges that all tamariki have the right to protect and promote their health and wellbeing, achieve equitable access to learning opportunities to recognise their language, culture, and identity and give tamariki agency and enhance their mana.