How is your child being holistically prepared for school at Red Hills Community?
Red Hills Community Kindergarten strives to holistically prepare children for school. This is evident within the use of the ‘Transition to school room’ which is a facility specifically set up to focus on children who are about to start their journey into the school environment.
The Transition to School room encourages children to become familiar with routines and structured learning, such as sitting quietly on the mat at the start of each session participating in activities as instructed by the teacher. Such structures help children gain confidence within their transition to a new learning environment. Te Reo Maori is further developed within this environment, this can be seen during each session as children are encouraged to sing welcome songs (Tena Koe) and also use common phrases and the days of the week (Ko Nga Ra).
Children will gain a sense of belonging and understanding, and are encouraged to participate in group discussions. Appropriate classroon behaviour such as turn taking, putting hands up to ask/answer a question are important skills learnt during this transition stage as well as further developing listening skills while being respectful of others.
Literacy skills such as reading and writing are extended through the use of ‘Homework Buckets’ where children are given a letter links letter to take home and try to find as many objects as they can starting with that particular letter.
Children benefit from the Transition to School initiative, which takes place at Red Hills Community Kindergarten, as they are better prepared for learning within the school environment.
About Red Hills Kindergarten
We endeavour to keep up with the changing needs of the community by providing flexible sessions (including all day care) and quality education at an affordable price. We operate a four year term, the same as the local primary school.
Because we are a parent driven centre it is easy for us to relate to what is needed, and it is also easy for you to have your say in your child’s education by voluntarily joining the committee.
Parents and whanau are always welcome to spend time at the kindy during their child’s session time.
Curriculum
At Redhills Community Kindergarten Inc. we follow the National Early Children Curriculum Te Whaariki. We believe that this curriculum leads children into developing skills that will enable them to grow as competent and confident learners, communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valuable contribution to society.
The curriculum encompasses literacy, numeracy, mathematics, science, music, art, social skills, physical skills and communication skills.
Redhills Community Kindergarten rent the space facing the roundabout on the corner of Redhills and Don Buck Road and have been doing so since 1990. The area occupied by the Kindergarten is an addition to the original hall built in 1954. You can click on the link to the left of this story, under Hall Users Redhills Kindergarten, to find out more about the Kindergarten.