Philosophy
Respect and Dignity
At Small World every child is treated with respect and dignity. This is achieved through consistent, but flexible routines, respectful care giving, and environments that support children to learn at their own pace and level.
Communication
Communication is valued as the basis of responsive and reciprocal relationships with both children and families. Parents are respected as children’s first teachers and these bonds are viewed as the most special and important to children. We acknowledge, support, and respect each individual family.
Learning Environments and Te Whāriki
At Small World we provide dynamic and challenging learning environments where children feel safe and where needs are met and responded to in ways that foster trusting relationships with peers and adults. Our planned programmes are based on Te Whāriki (the national early childhood curriculum) and the belief that children learn best through play – the natural activity of early childhood. Learning and development is fostered through children’s strengths and interests and by supporting and scaffolding children’s experiences so that optimal learning can take place.
Our Programmes
At Small World our teaching teams work hard to ensure that programmes are exciting and promote optimal learning. We have interwoven elements of a variety of teaching approaches with the guidelines offered by Te Whāriki (the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum) to provide programmes that are innovative and compatible with Ministry of Education expectations.
Centre One (for children aged under 3 years)
In Centre One practices are particularly inspired by the thinking of Emmi Pikler, a paediatrician who was a passionate advocate for responsive, reciprocal teaching practices that are respectful of children’s autonomy, competence and the pace, style and rhythm of their learning.
At Small World this is most evident in the ways that teachers talk to and handle children, provide explanations and forewarnings about events and actions that will affect them, and ensure that the routines and pace of the day are unhurried, relaxed and child driven.
Centre Two (for children aged 3 years and over)
In Centre Two, practices and programmes are inspired by approaches in Reggio Emilia, Reggio pedagogy recognises that all children are capable and competent learners who need space and opportunity to explore, experiment, and take risks.
At Small World this is most evident in the ways that teachers follow children’s interests, support them to ‘do’ for themselves, challenge thinking, and work hard to create aesthetic, inspiring and magical learning spaces that encourage children to express themselves in a variety of ways.