Philosophy

Little School

Little Schools philosophy is to prepare children for school - making their transition as easy as possible. We also aim to develop a ‘love of learning’ in each child and provide skills for life, that will give children confidence in everyday situations. Our programme will develop children’s knowledge through educational planning and stimulation, providing appropriate range of activities that cater for the learning and developmental needs of each child, both socially and educationally.

Every child at Little School will be assessed and have evaluative daily data and on-going records kept. Objectives pertaining to each child’s goals, strengths and interests will be programmed into our planning and evaluated regularly.

Overall planning is prepared and displayed on our Parent Notice board.

Programme planning, structured teaching sessions and activity times are planned daily taking into account

1. Our programme is child centered and will encourage self reliance, develop children’s self esteem, wellbeing and social skills. The programme will also further children’s knowledge of their own and other cultures in New Zealand.
   
   
2. Little School will plan activities that are appropriate, challenging, educational and of interest, to extend children’s learning and development. Teachers will work closely with children developing child initiated discussions and extending children’s ideas and interests.
   
   
3. Our programme will provide activities for children to develop social skills, communication skills and exploratory play through activities such as: art, books, music, block play, dramatic play, computers, science discovery, dough and clay, sand area, physical play, water discovery, carpentry work, small world play and puzzles.
   
   
4. Our programme will incorporate the Principles of Te Whariki.
   
   
5. Our programme will provide opportunities for children’s skills and knowledge to be extended, according to their individual needs and abilities and interests. We will acknowledge children’s strengths and interests and cater to their learning in a way that appeals to them.
   
   
6. Our programme aims to create independent learners for the future; by building children’s confidence and self esteem, equipping them with the skills for social and educational experiences for life.
   
   
7. Our Programme is influenced by the Reggio approach, which views children as being rich, strong and powerful. Through this approach children are viewed as active agents in the construction of their own learning.

Please click here for programme information for Little School.