A Day at BestStart Howick: Learning Through Every Moment
Have you ever wondered what a day looks like for your child at BestStart Howick? While no two days are exactly the same, each day is filled with opportunities for play, discovery, connection and learning.
Our teachers carefully create an environment where children can follow their interests, develop new skills and build meaningful relationships. At BestStart Howick, we believe that learning happens throughout the whole day, not just during planned activities.
Starting the Day: Welcoming Our Tamariki
The day begins with warm greetings, familiar faces and time to settle into the centre. We understand that every child arrives with different needs. Some are ready to jump straight into play, while others may need a little extra reassurance and connection with their teachers.
These everyday moments are important. They help children develop a sense of belonging, security and trust.
A World of Possibilities Through Play
As the morning unfolds, our children are encouraged to explore a variety of experiences based on their interests and developmental needs. We follow the 16 Areas of Play as part of our curriculum, which provides a broad range of opportunities for children to learn through hands-on experiences.
From creative and sensory play to physical activity, construction, music, language and imaginative play, children are encouraged to explore, experiment and make their own discoveries.
You might see children building towers, creating artwork, digging in the sandpit or garden, dressing up, looking through books, making music, solving puzzles or working together on a project.
And while it may look like children are simply “playing”, so much learning is happening underneath the surface. They are developing communication skills, problem-solving abilities, confidence, creativity, coordination, independence and social skills, all while having fun.
Our Infants: The Heart of Learning
For our youngest tamariki, we recognise that relationships are at the heart of learning. Our infant programme is guided by the Heart of Learning, with a strong focus on responsive, nurturing relationships.
Babies learn through their everyday interactions with the people around them. A cuddle, a conversation during nappy changing, singing a familiar song, responding to a baby’s gestures or sitting together while exploring a new object can all be meaningful learning experiences.
Our teachers take the time to notice and respond to each infant’s individual cues, interests and rhythms. We want our babies to feel secure, understood and confident to explore their world.
Learning Outdoors
Outdoor play is another important part of our day. Our tamariki have opportunities to move their bodies, enjoy fresh air, explore nature and challenge themselves physically.
Whether they are running, climbing, digging, balancing, creating or simply observing what is happening around them, the outdoor environment provides endless possibilities for learning.
Sometimes the simplest discoveries, such as a bug in the garden, a rain shower or a new flower beginning to grow, can lead to wonderful conversations and learning moments.
Mealtimes Are Learning Times Too
Mealtimes are about much more than eating. They are opportunities for children to develop independence, practise social skills, communicate with others and experience positive routines.
Children can learn to make choices, use utensils, take responsibility for their belongings and enjoy conversations around the table. These everyday experiences help children build confidence and life skills.
Afternoon Adventures
As the day continues, children may return to experiences they have enjoyed earlier, extend their learning or discover something completely new.
Our teachers observe what interests the children and use these observations to help guide future learning experiences. A simple question from a child can become the beginning of a whole new investigation!
And Then It’s Time to Go Home…
At the end of the day, children reconnect with their whānau and share the experiences of their day. For us, this is an important part of the journey too.
We love sharing those little moments: the new achievement, the funny story, the friendship made, the first attempt at something new or the special moment that made us smile.
Every Moment Matters
At BestStart Howick, we know that some of the most important learning happens in the ordinary moments of the day.
Every cuddle. Every conversation. Every discovery. Every challenge. Every friendship. Every moment of play.
Our 16 Areas of Play and the Heart of Learning for our infants help us create an environment where children can feel a strong sense of belonging while developing the skills, confidence and curiosity they need as they grow.
Because at BestStart Howick, learning isn’t just something we do; it’s woven into every part of our day.