The foundation of our philosophy is built on the fact that children learn through play whether they observe or participate. Throughout the day the children have the opportunity to choose their own activities which is known as freeplay. (Please refer to the note below). Daily routines are a part of the programme to give familiarity to the children's day.
Music is planned daily along with the basic activities.
The programme is based on the principles of Te Whariki which is the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum.
There is often a misconception that in a freeplay environment the children are able to run around and do what they like. It may appear that way however this is not the situation.
For a child to enjoy their learning they need to be able to choose activities themselves. There are a number of reasons for this for example:
allows for the children’s own individual needs – their ages and stages,
creates a no pressure environment,
encourages responsibility and fosters independence
To enhance the child’s growth and development Educators play a role which assists with the childs’ learning which is based on their knowledge and understanding of each child. This could involve challenging the child further in their play, supporting and helping them to the next stage or to recognize and encourage them at the level they are at.
Because a child learns through playing we feel it is important to let a child be just that, "a child and play". When learning is enjoyable it is more meaningful.
It is important to realize that the role of the Educators is not formal or structured as this only teaches the child "What" to think. We feel it is more important to help a child "How" to think.
Extension programmes are not necessary for children to reach their full potential. When a child plays they are gaining new experiences, skills, knowledge and increased language. The following basic activities provided each day briefly highlights some of these:
Puzzles and Blocks
Introduces maths concepts such as shapes, counting and colours. Encourages problem solving and increases concentration skills.
Water and Sand
Helps develop eye and hand coordination. Introduces maths concepts such as full, heavy, float, sink.
Dough and Messy Play
Increases tactile, sensory development. Aids use and increase control of finer muscles. Creates a non threatening experience and a feeling of security.
Painting and Creativity
Develops self esteem and pride in their work. Use of expression and imagination with different media.
Fantasy Play
Helps the child to gain and understand their feelings about themselves and the world.
Physical Obstacles
Develops the use and control of their bodies. Aids large muscle development. Increases spatial awareness. Helps eye and hand coordination.
The activities provide the opportunity for children to experience social interaction and cooperation with peers, solitary play, positive role modeling, communication, becoming assertive, sharing, being responsible for their own actions, empathy and respect for each other. They also provide a secure environment for children to take risks and grow individually.
Having a small amount of children to a higher number of adults is necessary for high quality care. It allows Educators to have positive interaction with the children rather than a supervisory role. Our Educator to child ratio is higher than those required by the Ministry of Education (Early Childhood Centres) Regulations 1998.
It is also important to note that Ready Steady Play is a purpose built facility. This allows for separate areas for the under 2 and over 2 year olds. This provides an environment which is safe and can accommodate the childrens’ needs more appropriately.
