Our Visit to Matariki Marae

Uxbridge Early Learning is really lucky to be involved and participate in the new programme at our Marae and strengthening our connection with our Marae - sometimes known as Matariki Marae.  The kindy Tamariki  experienced a rich immersion in Te Ao Māori  and Te Reo Māori , deepening their understanding of our cultural heritage as Tangata Whenua .  

The Marae , serving as a living classroom , provided an authentic environment where the children could engage with traditions, values and language. We participated in a Karakia, Waiata (song), and The Legend/story of "The Fish of Maui".  

The children enjoyed creating their own Waka, and learning some new words in Te Reo relating to the map of Aotearoa. 

They learned simple greetings, songs, as well as fostering a sense of belonging and identity.  This experience enhances Whakamana - Empowerment, Whānau Tangata - Community and overall fostering their growth as confident, capable learners out in the community.  

We cannot wait until our next visit in the new year to get out and about in the community and learn some more. 

Storytime with Renisa at Howick Library

Thank you to Renisa for sharing her newly published book with us this morning at Howick library.  "What's in a name He aha tó te ingoa?"  This story book was all about our friends, their different names, how special they are and how we can ask how to pronounce them, this included names from all around the world.  As a story writer local from our community, she encouraged us to share our own stories, our names and how we can too be writers and illustrators, able to make our own books.  We often write and share stories at kindy, so it was great to share some of ours with her.  Thank you to the Howick library for inviting us to this event, we so enjoyed our outing and listening to this fabulous book.  It is instore at Poppies bookshop, Howick for anyone else who is keen to have a read.

Blindfolded food tasting

 Today, we had an AMAZING time exploring food in a whole new way—blindfolded! The children were challenged to identify different foods without using their sight, relying only on their sense of taste, smell, and touch. We had a tray filled with delicious surprises: pear, apple, mandarin, crackers, corn chips, grapes, pretzels, and kumara. Each child sat in front of the mystery bowls, blindfolded, and had to guess what they were tasting. This activity not only helped the children understand how our senses work together, but it also sparked their curiosity about food science and sensory integration. They exercised their memory and cognitive skills while learning how our senses shape our perception of the world. By focusing on taste, smell, and touch while temporarily eliminating sight, children can gain a deeper understanding of the sensory systems and how they work together to create the experience of eating.

Ice painting

Our children enjoyed painting on ice immensely. Painting on ice provided a sensory-rich experience that combined artistic and scientific exploration. Children engaged with the cold, slippery surface of the ice, noticing how it melted and changed while experimenting with colour mixing. As the ice cubes shrank and transitioned from solid to liquid, children observed and learned about the properties of water and the science behind this change of state. This activity also supported the development of observational skills, fine and gross motor skills, and hand-eye coordination as children moved the ice cubes around. By making predictions and using trial and error, they built problem-solving abilities and formed their own working theories. children also expanded their vocabulary, enhanced their creativity, and gained a deeper understanding of both art and science, creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience.