February was a joyful month at BestStart Everglade Preschool. Our tamariki enjoyed exploring wellbeing, culture, and community through fun and meaningful activities.
We began the month by celebrating Waitangi Day, an important day in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. Our tamariki proudly sang the New Zealand National Anthem together. They also enjoyed activities such as creating a New Zealand map collage, trying raranga (paper weaving), and learning to play with poi (a traditional Māori ball on a string). Through waiata (songs) and shared discussions, children learned about friendship, respect, and whanaungatanga (relationships and connection).
During Healthy Hearts Day, tamariki worked together to create a large heart. They placed stickers along the outline to form the heart shape, then cut out pictures of healthy foods and placed them inside. This activity supported children to learn about kōwhiringa hauora (healthy choices) and how nutritious food helps keep our bodies strong.
Later in the month, we celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year. Tamariki enjoyed making paper fan crafts, creating noodle crafts using yarn, and taking part in a fun dragon dance with their friends.
It was a wonderful month of ako (learning together), creativity, and celebration with our tamariki.
With aroha,
The BestStart Everglade Preschool Team