Our Programme -

All our age groups are involved in our rich core curriculum programme. Our curriculum is based on the Early Childhood Curriculum Document, Te Whaariki. The teachers assess and plan for the programme every two weeks.

We are a motivated and dedicated team striving for the best possible education plan for every child. We understand children must first be comfortable and happy in their environment to learn to their potential and as teachers we provide the necessary support and guidance for this to be possible.

 

Individual Plans:

These are viewable in your child’s Profile Book, a plan specific to your child’s needs and education goals, interests and experiences here at Phoenix Preschool. These are available in the centre for you and your child to access and enjoy together at any time.

Project Approach – Enquiry Based Learning

This is a group focus with research and knowledge definition as a focus. Teaching our children to be life long learners. This approach also encourages children not only to enjoy the learning process but most importantly they know they have the capacity to be a researcher and competent learner. All children are able to participate at their own learning level with support from our teachers. This is a fantastic way to catch children in their personal teaching moments, their optimum learning space!

There are Three Phases to this in-depth study of the real world. This helps the teacher organise and guide the progression of the study in ways which accord with the children’s interests and personal involvement. The teachers work together to select a topic of study based on the children’s interests, the curriculum goals and availability of local resources.

Phase 1 - The teachers discuss the topic with the children. Find out about the children’s experiences and what they already know. The children represent their experiences in a number of ways. Phase 2 - The children are provided with opportunities to do field work and to speak to experts. Resources are provided to help the children with their investigations, real objects, books and other research materials. The children are involved in representing what they are learning and work at their own level, drawing, music, construction and dramatic play. The work is all displayed on the wall. Phase 3 - The teachers arrange a celebration event for the children to share what they have learned. From this topic may stem another interest or topic of study for the next project.

 

Letterland Programme

The team at Phoenix Preschool support children in their further learning by providing the endorsed Letterland Programme through out the curriculum so it is available to all children attending preschool.
The Letterland Programme began at Phoenix Preschool at the beginning of 2007. Letterland is an interactive phonics system to help support children to read and write. It includes stories, music, rhymes, handwriting practice and craft. Each letter of the alphabet has a pictogram and a catchy name, along with a song about that letters sound. Our Letterland programme is being extended into all areas of play making this fun and learning available to all age groups. Every two weeks a new Letterland character is introduced to the children at mat time.

This programme supports children with their phonetic and literacy skills introducing to early reading and literacy skills necessary at school. This is introduced in a fun way through all the environmental areas at preschool with the support of music, books, worksheets and teacher support. The children have really enjoyed this aspect of phonetic learning.

 

The Instructional Swimming Programme operates for the older children in terms One and Four.

We enjoy regular visits to our community in support of our programme and also in support of our community happenings. We regularly visit with the elderly residents at Rosebank on Walnut Ave, to spend time and share some songs and dancing with them. Loved by the children and the residents.

 

For the Parents/Caregivers and Whanau:

We want your input! We acknowledge you as the most important and first educator of your child, having the most knowledge about your child and as teachers we know how valuable this is, come talk to us, write in your child’s profile book, let us know what is happening for your child at home so we can best support and encourage your child. Tell us all about it!
We know there is a wealth of knowledge out there and we welcome parents/caregivers and whanau to input to our projects if you comfortable with this.

We have regular fun events at preschool where we encourage families to join us with their preschoolers and meet other families involved in this preschool. Come and have some FUN!! Keep an eye out for these happenings.

The Phoenix Preschool Committee of Management is made up of parents and caregivers from the Phoenix Preschool community. If you are interested in becoming involved in this Committee, talk to the Head Teacher for the next meeting night.