Puppet show

Exploring the water and sand

Ainslee

Mana's racing car

Last week I spent some time with Mana doing the racing car puzzle. Mana requested this puzzle, as it's one of his favourites that he has completed many times. Mana is always so excited to do any of the floor puzzles because this is an area of interest and he feels confident that he can do it all by himself. On this particular day, Mana asked if I could help him, but then said, "I can do this puzzle all by myself, but I want you to help too", which I thought was nice. It was so great to see a sense of accomplishment in Mana when he had finished it; he was very proud. This is a great example of how Mana takes responsibility for his own learning and how much the confidence in himself has grown since he has been at KIDSPACE.

Ainslee

Another happy tale...

After spending time with Donnagh reading stories on the couch, he continued to read books. Noah took an interest and sat up on the couch with him. Donnagh really liked the book 'Another happy tale', about the new born baby being raised on a farm with the baby pigs. When I was reading with Donnagh previous to this, he had requested this book three times, so it appears to be a favourite. He was excited to share it with Noah and point out his favourite parts of the story. A number of times I heard the boys laughing, while engrossed in the story. I could see that they were getting pleasure from reading through the book and exploring the pictures together.

Children develop an expectation that words, pictures and books can amuse, delight, comfort, illuminate, inform and excite (Communication goal three, Te Whaariki).

Ainslee

Welcome to KIDSPACE Anika

Anika had a brilliant first day at KIDSPACE, yesterday. After mum left, she helped the teachers to set up outside, and began exploring the new environment. Anika had lots of fun on the climbing boxes, planks and jumping mat. She was even keen to walk along the narrow plank, but motioned that she wanted me to hold her hand to guide her. Anika had her lunch with Tamara and the little children as she said she was hungry and wanted her lunch box. Anika was helpful later in the afternoon by helping to clear away the messy play on the perspex table. She enjoyed putting her hands in it just as much I think!

We look forward to getting to know Anika and her family more over the next few months :)

Ainslee

New Friendships

Sisters, Emily and Isabella, who have recently joined KIDSPACE whanau, had a wonderful time last week, playing with their new found friend Netana.

It was great to see the cooperative play that was occurring within this little group.

Emily suggested that Netana be sick in the hospital, and lie on the couch, and he was more than happy to oblige, even arranging the cushions for comfort.

Isabella gave directions to her sister as to what medical instruments were for what, and the nature of Netana's illness, which was a "sore tummy'.

It was obvious that this little trio were really enjoying each others company, as they played together for a considerable time.

Emily, Isabella, and Netana,are developing an appreciation of the ways in which they can make contributions to groups and to group well-being, as well as an increasing confidence and a repertoire for symbolic, pretend, or dramatic play. Monica