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How we document your child’s learning in early childhood When you read learning stories, see photos, or receive updates from your child’s early learning centre, it can be easy to wonder what they really show. Are they simply capturing a nice moment, or do they tell a deeper story about how your child is growing and learning? In early childhood education, documentation is not about proving that learning has happened. It isn’t a checklist of skills or a record of finished activ

Earlier in the year, we were lucky to welcome Dene Franklin to our Te Ōki parent evening. He shared what primary teachers hope tamariki can do when they begin school — not just naming letters or counting objects, but arriving with curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. His kōrero was a great reminder that the foundations for literacy (and numeracy) start long before children pick up a pencil. They begin here — in our sandpits, story times, games, and daily routines, t

At Te Ōki, we believe that play isn’t just something children do — it’s how they speak, how they explore, how they make sense of the...

At Te Ōki Early Learning, we believe that stories and songs are powerful tools for connection, learning, and identity. They shape our...

The Big Transition Starting school is one of the most important milestones in a child’s life. It’s not just about a new backpack and...

At Te Ōki, we often say that learning doesn’t stop at the centre gate — it continues out into the world. That’s because tamariki learn...

From a baby’s very first cry to the endless “why, why, why?” of toddlers, language is how children connect with the world. It’s more than...

At Te Ōki Early Learning, we believe nature is one of the best teachers. In the words of Magda Gerber, “There’s no such thing as bad...

If mealtimes at your house sometimes feel like a negotiation—or a standoff—you’re not alone. Many children go through a phase where they...

If it feels like your child has caught every cold, cough, and bug since starting at Te Ōki—you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely...

This post is part of our “Why does my child…” series. If you’ve ever wondered why your child cries at drop off , or why they carry toys...

The deeper meaning behind full hands and favourite objects If your child is constantly carrying the same toy car, doll, or random plastic...

Understanding messy moments and the learning behind them You’ve just tidied up the toy baskets… and in less than a minute, your child has...

If you’ve ever walked away from the centre with a lump in your throat after a tearful goodbye, you’re not alone. Crying at drop-off is...

It’s a question many parents ask—especially when their child comes home with muddy clothes, paint on their sleeves, and no clear answer...

At Te Ōki Early Learning, we believe children thrive best when there’s a strong partnership between home and centre. When parents and...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your child’s behaviour—tantrums, clinginess, refusals—you’re not alone. At Te Ōki Early Learning ,...

Starting childcare is a big step—for both tamariki and their parents. At Te Ōki Early Learning, we know how emotional that first goodbye...

If you’ve ever heard your child’s teacher mention Te Whāriki  and wondered, “What does that actually mean?”—you’re not alone! At Te Ōki...

Play is often seen as something children do for fun, but did you know that play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn?...