Waiuku Kindergarten

The Pig in the Pond

2009-11-15T09:26:00.001+13:00

Fresh strawberries for afternoon tea

2009-11-15T09:02:00.002+13:00

Picking strawberries

2009-11-15T08:53:00.002+13:00

Our new guinea pig, Tilly

2009-11-15T08:44:00.000+13:00

Whats is eating our vegetables?

2009-11-15T08:38:00.000+13:00

Making salad sandwiches

2009-11-15T08:23:00.001+13:00

Making bird pudding 2

2009-11-15T08:19:00.000+13:00

Making bird pudding 1

2009-11-15T08:08:00.003+13:00

Planting radishes

2009-11-15T07:58:00.003+13:00

2009-11-15T07:58:00.001+13:00

Growing Cress

2009-11-15T07:48:00.001+13:00

Growing sweetcorn

2009-11-15T07:40:00.000+13:00

Charlotte's School Visit

2009-10-11T15:28:00.001+13:00

The Fancy Dress Disco

2009-10-11T14:41:00.003+13:00

This year's Fancy Dress Disco, held in September, was a great success as usual. Lots of families came along, with mum, dad and big brothers and sisters dressed up in costume. The kindergarten children looked fantastic! The teachers dressed up and joined in the fun too. After a shared supper there was more dancing to the music. A big thank you to the Kindergarten Support Group who did a fantastic job of organising the event and decorating the hall. Another big thanks to all the helpers on the day and to our main sponsor, Waiuku New World.

Our Trip to Chipmunks September 2009

2009-10-11T14:01:00.005+13:00

Off on the bus we all went; the children, the teachers and lots of dads, mums and grandparents too. At Chipmunks Playland there was much to do: a large slide which was a great favourite and was great exercise getting to the top, smaller slides, racing cars, a mini merry-go-round, and more! Thanks to our helpers for making it a safe and happy trip.

Visit to the Waiuku Library

2009-08-27T12:26:00.002+12:00

A walk to the Waiuku Library for Book Week was a great opportunity for the children to be physically active and to see what is in our community. We talked about the sights along the way such as the Waiuku estuary and the fire station.

The children enjoyed looking at the books , followed by a story read to us.Participating in the singing and active movement was lots of fun..

Breakfast@Kindy

2009-08-20T15:57:00.004+12:00

This is a fun occasion we have each year. This year we were pleased to have 2 Dad's who were our Chefs for the morning, including a yummy breakfast for the Teachers and the helpers.
The children, parents and Teachers participated by dressing in their pyjama's and bringing their favourite cuddly toys.

Road Safety with Constable Andy

2009-08-20T15:16:00.004+12:00

As part of learning about keeping ourselves safe, we had Constable Andy come and talk to us about road safety and how to be safe in the car park at kindergarten.
We all practised in the playground and remembered
the rhyme Constable Andy had taught us to use before we cross the street.

Growing vegetable seedlings

2009-08-13T16:03:00.008+12:00

vegetable soup

2009-08-09T13:47:00.004+12:00

July 09. Several keen cooks chopped up vegetables
for soup. We simmered it then all the children
were given the opportunity to enjoy it.
Thanks to a grant from the Counties Manukau
DHB we have new cooking equipment for our
healthy eating programme.
Recipe:
1 packet Kings Soup mix
Carrots, potatoes, onions, celery
Herbs, water
Simmer till soft

How we celebrated Maori Language Week

2009-07-31T15:46:00.002+12:00

Trip to Franklin Fitness Centre

2009-07-04T10:43:00.003+12:00

Hailey goes to school

2009-06-29T08:07:00.000+12:00

Spencer goes on a school visit

2009-06-24T14:52:00.002+12:00

Ruben the Road Safety Bear

2009-06-17T16:39:00.000+12:00

Active Movement with Tammie

2009-06-05T07:51:00.001+12:00

Baking kumara

2009-06-05T07:40:00.000+12:00

Winter lunchboxes

2009-06-04T16:39:00.001+12:00

Active Movement with Tammie

2009-05-27T16:35:00.002+12:00

Friday cooking

2009-05-25T12:00:00.001+12:00

Monarchs at kindergarten

2009-03-26T15:49:00.007+13:00

February/March 09

The swan plants at kindergarten have captured the interest of the children, parents and teachers. We have been lucky enough to watch up to 100 butterflies hatch out. The children have been also learning from related books and puzzles, and we have been catching the transformations on still and video camera. We also have viewed the tiny eggs and newly hatched caterpillars with the digital microscope.We have learnt a lot about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly.

Fruit Salad. Yummy! yummy!

2009-03-26T15:02:00.009+13:00

20.2.09

Today we made and ate the most delicious fruit salad from summer fruit. I noticed that the children who loved cooking and regularly participate arrived at the table with prewashed hands. I also noticed that they have grown very competent at cutting up and preparing food. We ate it later, with shaved ice on top as a real treat. Some children had many helpings! It was really delicious.

Fathers' Night

2008-12-12T10:45:00.008+13:00

12.11.08 Tonight was a special night for kindergarten children and their fathers. They played together, ate a sausage, and chatted to the teachers. The fathers were impressed with the learning opportunities offered at kindergarten, and pleased that their children had made friends. It was lovely to see that special bond between father and child.

Carrot & Orange muffins

2008-11-09T12:52:00.009+13:00

October 2008. Janene and the children made some muffins ...

This morning we made ‘carrot and orange muffins’.

Baking is always popular with the children who are becoming very able in all the tasks involved.

There was a lot of preparation involved this morning with the children helping to grate carrots, juice oranges, as well as measuring a variety of ingredients.

With everything prepared we were able to set about mixing and adding ingredients following the recipe.

The muffins were cooked and shared with all the children at mat time.

The children are learning to be patient and take turns co-operatively at our baking sessions.

The muffins where very delicious and had healthy ingredients.

On my part it was valuable to have all the ingredients ready in separate containers, this way children were able to be involved without too much waiting time. Although we used a complex recipe I enjoyed the challenge.

Carrot and Orange Muffins

140 g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

85g light brown sugar

100g grated carrot

100g porridge oats

½ tsp cinnamon

50g roasted hazelnuts, chopped

100g dried apricot, chopped

1 tbsp poppy seeds

zest 2 oranges

200 ml buttermilk (or milk + 1tbsp lemon juice)

1 egg, beaten

3 tbsp melted butter

pinch salt

juice of 1 large orange

Topping

2 tbsp soft brown sugar

1 tbsp melted butter

50g porridge oats

Pre-heat oven to 200 C

To make the topping, mix together the sugar, oats and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture onto a baking sheet. Bake for five minutes, then leave to cool.

Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and sugar. Add the nuts carrot, apricots, poppy seeds, cinnamon, oats and orange zest. Mix well.
In another bowl, use a spoon to mix the buttermilk, egg, butter, salt, and orange juice. Pour this onto the dry mixture.
Stir the two mixtures together using a spoon, until just mixed.
Place paper cases into a muffin tray. Spoon the mixture into the cases, filling them 2/3 full.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the muffins. Bake them for about

25-30 mins until well risen and golden. Leave to cool.

Makes 12 muffins. Thanks to "Littlies” magazine for the recipe.

Kindy Rock

2008-11-09T10:23:00.006+13:00

30.10.08
Today we had a visit from "Famous Fish" and their "Kindy Rock " show. The children were involved in an enjoyable hour long show. The children were really responsive and joined in singing, moving, dancing, and learning about different ways to use musical instruments. The teachers observed some music education techniques that they too can use at kindergarten. We look forward to "Kindy Rock" returning at our end of year party. Thanks to Judi Cranston from www.kindyrock.co.nz for the music on this video.

Fancy Dress Disco 08

2008-11-04T08:08:00.008+13:00

On Friday 19^th September 2008 we had our annual Fancy Dress Party.

The teachers, children and families dressed up for the occasion and there were witches, fairies, pirates, spacemen, Thomas tank engine, clowns, princesses, dragons, Batman, Spiderman and ladybugs.

The hall was wonderfully decorated by some parents and the disco music and lights had everyone up dancing.

Lots of yummy cakes and slices that were baked by families were available for those hungry tummies, as well as sausages and chicken nuggets. There was lots of water for thirsty dancers.

This annual event is always well supported by the local businesses with food donations and prizes.

Thanks to all the kindergarten Support Group for the organization and the families for supporting us.

Excursion to Chipmunks

2008-11-02T15:11:00.005+13:00

Off on the bus we went! The teachers, children and helping parents had a great time and heaps of exercise at Chipmunks playland. Afterwards we had a relax at Bookinopolis and the librarian read the children a story.

Sweetcorn fritters

2008-11-02T14:51:00.003+13:00

With weekly cooking activities at kindergarten, the children have developed their food preparation skills, and a great attitude towards trying different and healthy food.

Sweetcorn fritters

4 eggs, beaten, blend with

Chopped parsley, and

1 T cornflour blended with 1 T milk, then

310 g can creamed corn.

Fry small spoonfuls at a time

Serve with sliced celery and carrot sticks.

Healthy Heart Award Number 3

2008-11-02T13:30:00.003+13:00

September 08
Today we received our third Healthy Heart Award from the National Heart Foundation, in recognition of the work we have been doing with healthy eating and exercise.
We have also received a grant from the Counties Manukau District Health Board, enabling us to put in a drinking fountain, the aim being to increase the children's drinking of water, in line with current nutrition guidelines.

Waiuku Kindergarten: View all our local schools - from the air

2008-08-13T09:33:00.000+12:00

Click on this link and view your local schools. Can you find your way from your home to school? Or to kindergarten?
http://www.mapimage.net/intramaps60/ApplicationEngine/Application.aspx?project=Franklin%20District%20Council&highBandwidth=false&width=767&height=570

Pingu Boogaloo

2008-06-27T13:50:00.000+12:00

Pingu is one of the teachers' favourite characters.In the wet winter months its great to get some exercise indoors. Get up and dance along with Pingu!

Cooking healthy food

2008-06-25T11:53:00.001+12:00

Every Friday the teachers do "cooking' with the children. We try to use seasonal produce and healthy recipes, and the children think their own cooking is yummy!The children have been making feijoa muffins and vegetable soup.

Healthy Eating at Kindergarten

2008-06-25T08:07:00.001+12:00

The children love to show off all the healthy food in their lunchboxes. The parents are so creative in providing colourful attractive healthy food. Fifth birthday and leaving for school celebrations are occasions to share platters of healthy food.

Our new toys

2008-06-24T13:11:00.000+12:00

Our Kindergarten Support Group have been working really hard to provide the funds to provide "the icing on the cake" for our children. With the money, the teachers have chosen equipment which facilitates social play, language development, physical skills, and the arrival of the new equipment been a very positive experience for all; parents, teachers and the children.

Breakfast at Kindergarten

2008-06-23T10:37:00.000+12:00

On Tuesday 17^th of June the children and teachers had breakfast at kindergarten.

The teachers decided to combine “healthy eating” and the national promotion for "Preventing Violence in the Home” on this day. (Parents were asked to make a donation towards this cause.)

At mat time a week prior to today we discussed with the children healthy breakfast options and decided on the menu from the children's suggestions.

We incorporated numeracy e.g. each table was numbered and each child had a table number to match that table. Social skills and literacy were developed as the children discussed the menu and what their choices would be. Each table was called to make their breakfast selection by table numbers so other children had to wait and take their turn.

Self help skills were encouraged as the children served their own cereal and added their own toast toppings. The children had to sort their used utensils and place them in the correct recycle bins.

Later in the morning the children had the opportunity to revisit their breakfast experience with the use of our ICT equipment. The data projector and screen were used with a slide show of the photos and then we watched the video we recorded during the morning.

Much discussion followed as the children contributed their favourite part of the morning's activities.

2008-04-10T15:35:00.000+12:00

This is an article the teachers wrote to explain their transition to school programme in a fun and informative way.
Click on the article to enlarge.

more animals

2008-04-10T15:16:00.000+12:00

The children were excited about our trip to Franklin Zoo.The children and Carol researched animals and found photos of the same animals that we would see at the zoo.

Welcome to our inaugural Blog posting

2008-04-10T11:14:00.000+12:00

Welcome to our brand new Blog. The purpose of the Blog is to provide ongoing communication with our families and wider kindergarten community about what we do at Waiuku Kindergarten.