FYI

Hi all,

We have had a lovely few weeks getting to know your gorgeous kids. Manuka 1, 2 and 3 are an energetic, curious and fun bunch of people - we are so lucky to spend our days with them.  In the last couple of weeks a few questions have been asked by parents. I am sure there are others of you who have similar queries but are unable to pop in. So, I thought I would give you all a quick run down of our day and, hopefully, answer some unasked questions for you.

We run exactly the same timetable as Kakano 4/5/6 and, for parts of the day, work across all 6 classes.

8:45-9:10 - Learning Through Play

During our play block the doors are open and kids can choose to move anywhere in Kakano. Our play provocations are based on curriculum objectives and identified social/emotional needs. The ‘old Manuka’ team worked with the Walker Play Approach, and we have brought the best of this to the ‘Kakano’ approach.

9:10-9:20 - Whanaungatanga Time

This is a time for us all to meet, talk about our day and share notices. We also do a bit of calendar maths and te reo Maori. 

9:20-9:35 - Phonics/Fitness

We work across Kakano 1-6 for phonics. Kids are placed in needs based groups and have 4 sessions of phonics each week. About half of the group will be out for a bit of fitness during this time.

9:35-9:45 - Brain Break

Our first learning block is quite long so we have introduced a brain break. We have fruit and milk to fuel up for the next session. 

9:45-10:40 - Numeracy/Library

Our maths is based on a problem solving approach. We give a problem to solve and watch carefully to identify the strategies the kids employ. We ask them to explain their thinking (this is how we encourage the kids to reflect on their learning) and help them to ‘discover’ more useful strategies. We always have extra problems so kids can extend their thinking, practice or try again while it’s fresh.

Morning Tea

Feed and read, after morning tea, is in home groups. Children eat their morning tea while we share a story - this is often used to introduce or reinforce concepts that we are learning about in the coming literacy block. We have been moving around the space, so that the kids feel at home in all areas, but will most likely settle into a regular home group spot in the coming weeks.

11:15-11:30 - 2nd Phonics/Fitness Block

All kids who have had fitness earlier will break into their phonics groups and vice versa.

11:30-12:45 - Literacy

Children will have 2 guided books and a poem every week. We see each book as a 2 day challenge. The first day, with a new book, is focussed on decoding - figuring out words, making links to phonics, exploring the vocabulary etc. The next day is focussed on fluency and comprehension. Fluency is being able to read smoothly to each full-stop and knowing how to read the punctuation (expression/tone). Fluency goes hand in hand with comprehension/understanding what we read. Alternate days are writing focussed and we aim to build confidence and independence. We work with small groups and base our writing on simple experiences that hook the group in and build their language. We try to make as many links to phonics and reading as possible.

Lunchtime

Feed and read is again in home groups. Children eat together and we read a fun story and watch what they are eating (or attempting to throw away).

1:30-2:20 - Literacy (continued) and/or swimming

We love going swimming. We cover water confidence, body position, kicking and breathing. We’ll add arms and other tricky skills as kids are ready for them. 

2:25-2:45 - Religious Education

This term our focus is Caritas, Lent and Easter.  We love hearing the beautiful, kind and generous ideas from our beautiful, kind and generous kids. 

2:45-3:00 - Whanau Roopu

We have been meeting as a big K1-3 whanau for this time, so that we can celebrate the days successes together. However, a couple of parents have come and said they enjoyed joining end of day prayers, in home groups, last year and asked if we could give that a go. Of course we can!  We would love to have you join us - parents are a hugely important part of our team and you are always welcome. 

That is an awful lot of reading but I hope that helps.  Please, come and see us if you have any questions - we really are quite nice people.

We have really appreciated the wonderful support we have had from our families - a big thanks especially for the caring and kind thoughts shared with Miss Ryan and her family after their tragic loss. It was very much appreciated.

Karen Tabuteau (Team Leader)