Learning Models
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“Every child is unique and has gifts, talents and abilities to be nurtured”
We believe in celebrating the beauty and individuality of every child. Our learning model is based on four pillars, and these inspire us in the way we care for and work with children. These pillars provide the foundation for all we do, to enable children to learn and grow – not only their brains, but their bodies, their hearts, their spirits and their relationships. At Creators we believe children deserve the best possible learning experiences and environments so they can be all they can be.
A tamaiti cannot thrive if they are not loved first. Authentic love for each tamaiti is at the heart of Creators. Neuroscience tells us that the brain needs to be in a state of well-being before it can be ready for learning. The warm environment of love and genuine connection we foster at Creators enhances learning and development for all tamariki.
Pillar One at Play:
Our classrooms are mindfulness zones. They are places where we remember to slow down and be present with each other. At Creators tamariki receive one-on-one attention and their needs and voices are respected. We listen and respond with love and genuine connection.
Every tamaiti is born with unlimited potential and a life full of possibility. Given the right environment and support, tamariki are capable of achieving more than what we think. Inquiry learning, problem-solving and creative thinking are a major focus of the Reggio Emilia approach and inspire what we do. This innovative educational philosophy was founded by Italian psychologist Loris Malaguzzi, a visionary who understood that tamariki are beautiful, powerful and competent beings full of curiosity and potential. Kaiako, whānau and the environment are all elements that encourage tamariki to explore their world, ask questions and become creative problem solvers. We believe our tamariki have 100 languages for learning which is reflected in our environment.
Pillar Two at Play:
At Creators we engage in yearly ‘inquiry projects’ where the greatest learning moments are sparked by the tamariki and their questions. Together, we explore and learn.
Nature is our playground – a place of learning and wonder. Tamariki should be free to explore and discover the beauty of the natural world, God’s creation. When a tamaiti is playing outdoors, they are doing many things – problem solving, testing boundaries and importantly, learning to fall in love with nature.
Our all-weather nature programme is called Close to Earth – tata ki te papatūānuku. When tamariki treasure the natural environment, they learn to protect and respect its resources – important for the future of the world.
Pillar Three at Play:
Rain or shine we are outdoors inviting our tamariki to wonder about the world they live in. We aim to use real world experiences to initiate and contribute to learning.
Our tamariki are active contributing members of their community and are able to make a meaningful difference in their world. They have rights, ideas and voices and as kaiako it is our job to listen and enable their ideas. Through our curriculum they are empowered to solve real world problems, look at the lens of social justice and empathy and make meaningful contribution in the community. Together we create the world in which we would all love to live, founded on the values of aroha and manaakitanga.
Pillar Four at Play:
Our kaiako view our tamariki as active citizens and empower them to make a difference in the world. Through the pedagogy of listening and inquiry based learning our environments are designed to nurture and extend the individual wonderings of our tamariki and kaiako.