Play is how tamariki explore the world, test ideas, build relationships and discover what they are capable of.
At NKA, play-based learning is at the heart of every one of our 25 kindergartens across Northland. Through intentional teaching, our fully qualified kaiako help children make connections between their play and learning by thoughtfully introducing concepts, language and skills within meaningful contexts.
What might look like simply climbing, building, painting, digging or playing together can involve many different areas of learning at once.
From exploring mathematical thinking, communication, problem-solving or literacy concepts, our teachers use purposeful interactions and rich conversations to extend children's understanding and support the development of skills that are relevant to the moment and valued for future learning.
Through play, tamariki develop:
Play-based learning does not mean leaving children to learn on their own.
Our 100% qualified and registered teaching teams understand how children learn and develop. They carefully observe each child, recognise their interests and strengths, and create opportunities that offer the right level of challenge and support.
Sometimes that means asking a question that encourages deeper thinking. Sometimes it means introducing a new resource or idea. And sometimes it means knowing when to step back and give a child the space to discover something for themselves.
Children do not learn one skill at a time. Kindergarten teaches holistic skill sets (drawing from the imagination) and transferrable skill sets (able to apply the fine motor skills gained from drawing to sewing, for instance).
The goal of every curriculum is to support, nurture and enable the holistic development of each child's Hinengaro (Cognitive), Tinana (Physical), Whatumanawa (Emotional) and Wairua (Spiritual) development.
Climbing across the monkey bars can build strength and coordination, but it can also develop perseverance, confidence, risk assessment and problem-solving.
Working out how to share a favourite toy can become an opportunity to practise communication, empathy, negotiation and leadership.
With gentle guidance from kaiako that respects the mana of each tamaiti, children can become problem solvers (how do we take turns? how can we share?), leaders (suggesting solutions, including others), and creative thinkers (if you hold this doll's hand, and I hold the other, then we are playing together).
Drawing, building or imaginative play can strengthen fine motor skills while also encouraging storytelling, creativity and new ways of thinking.
One of the most valuable things children can learn is how to learn.
Through play, tamariki have opportunities to follow their curiosity, ask questions, experiment, make mistakes and try again. They begin to see themselves as capable learners who can use what they already know to understand something new.
Most importantly, children can learn how to use existing skills and knowledge to gain new skills and knowledge. That confidence, curiosity and love of learning creates a strong foundation for school - and for life.
Every NKA kindergarten has its own people, environment and personality, while sharing the same commitment to helping tamariki learn, grow and thrive through play.
Find your local NKA kindergarten and discover a place where your child can play, belong and grow.
Find your local kindergartenWe believe in the little things and the ginormous difference they can make for a lifetime.
Learning through play helps tamariki think creatively, solve problems and make decisions.
Our teaching teams must meet the same Education standards as qualified teachers in schools.
Community participation helps us shape our philosophies and environments to suit the needs of the children attending.
