The Heart Room (2-6 years)

Our way of being in the Heart Room

Whanaungatanga

“He waka eke noa.”
“We are all in this together.”

The success of children's learning and development is embedded in building strong, stable and secure relationships with both the child and their parents. It is through this partnership that we have discovered children thrive. At Footprints, we value parents' input and work together, holding the child's best interests at heart.

Manaakitanga

“Poioia te kākano kia puāwai.”
“Nurture the seed and it will blossom.”

At Footprints we have created a culture of kindness and respect. It is through gentle interactions and communication that kaiako model kindness. Kaiako work at the children's pace, creating a space for children to feel comfortable and free to express themselves in a safe and engaging environment.

Authenticity

“Tohaina ō painga ki te ao.”
“Share your gifts with the world.”

Children learn by doing; by giving children space and time to unfold their natural intelligences, allowing them to experiment with different roles, situations and materials. Children are seen and heard as individuals within a collective, making learning more engaging and memorable.

Through this way of being, children find a sense of belonging within the wider community.

Play

“Mā te kimi ka kite. Mā te kite ka mōhio. Mā te mōhio ka mārama.”
“Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened.”

Through the use of open-ended resources, children discover new ways of learning. When these discoveries come from child-led play, knowledge and understanding deepens and creates a love of learning. Play is the foundation from which all learning comes. When children are passionate and engaged in self-chosen uninterrupted play, their love of learning becomes embedded and lifelong.

Kai ritual

Food is valued and treasured at Footprints as it is in all cultures. Food is always at the centre of celebrations and traditions. At Footprints, children grow their own food and share it with each other and the wider community. A special morning tea, which families contribute to, is served daily by the children. It is through this kai ritual that children develop a strong sense of responsibility, leadership, honour and service to others.

Footprints in Nature

Children have regular opportunities to discover nature outside of Footprints with regular walks to discover the world around them, taking risks and developing self-confidence.