Over the past few weeks, our tamariki at BestStart Epsom have been engaged in a variety of meaningful learning experiences as we celebrated Easter, Earth Day, and ANZAC Day together. Through songs, art, conversations, gardening, and collaborative activities, the children explored important ideas about kindness, community, remembrance, and caring for the world around them. These experiences provided opportunities for tamariki to learn through play while building connections with each other, their environment, and the wider community.
Easter Celebrations
Our Easter celebration was filled with excitement and laughter. Tamariki took part in a fun Easter egg hunt around the centre, where they worked together to search for hidden eggs while practising their counting and problem-solving skills.
Through songs such as “We’re Going on an Egg Hunt”, our tamariki developed confidence in language, rhythm, and participation as they sang and moved together as a group. The children also enjoyed creating bunny-themed crafts using different art materials, encouraging creativity, fine motor development, and self-expression.
These experiences provided opportunities for tamariki to build friendships, take turns, and celebrate together in a joyful and engaging environment.
Earth Day
For Earth Day, our tamariki explored the importance of caring for our planet and learned about how we can all help protect the world around us. Through discussions and shared ideas, the children talked about simple ways they can care for nature, such as putting rubbish in the bin, looking after plants, saving water, and being gentle with living things.
As part of our learning, we connected these ideas to tikanga Māori and the concept of kaitiakitanga — being guardians and caretakers of the natural world. Tamariki began to understand that Earth is our home and that everyone has a role in helping to protect and preserve it for the future.
The children also took part in planting seeds in our garden, giving them hands-on opportunities to care for living things and observe how plants grow over time. Through these meaningful experiences, tamariki developed a growing sense of responsibility, respect, and connection to the environment around them.
ANZAC Day
Our tamariki took part in meaningful experiences focused on remembering and respecting the people who bravely put their lives on the line to keep others safe during ANZAC Day. Through age-appropriate discussions and creative activities, children were introduced to the values of remembrance, courage, sacrifice, and community.
As part of the commemoration, the tamariki worked together to create a wreath featuring poppies, a symbol of remembrance and respect. This collaborative experience encouraged children to contribute as part of a group while learning about the significance of honouring those who served.
Through art, conversations, music, and shared reflection, our tamariki were able to engage with an important part of New Zealand’s history in a way that was meaningful, respectful, and appropriate for young learners.
At BestStart Epsom, we value creating opportunities for tamariki to learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect them to their community, culture, and environment. We are proud to support children as they develop empathy, confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging while exploring the world around them together.