FUTURE GENERATION

THE ADVENTURES AT LITTLE ENGINES MONTESSORI

Curious or interested in Montessori education for your child?

Little ones are always at the forefront of curiosity as they observe the big wide world and embark on their learning journey. Little Engines is a vibrant, homely and welcoming Montessori preschool that boasts the full set of Montessori materials and provides an authentic Montessori programme for children aged 2 – 5 years.

Based on the five key principals of the Montessori philosophy, Little Engines centre philosophy is to prepare children for a life of learning and fulfilment – building their self-esteem, cultivating a belief in themselves, in others and in the endless opportunities life offers us. It is without a doubt that each day at Little Engines is a unique one, focused on providing learning outcomes that engage each child on a deeper level as they work toward real-life skills. With different sessions throughout the day, they steam ahead with the work cycle which facilitates opportunities for children to freely choose purposeful experiences in which to learn from various curriculum areas. The day is interwoven with learning focuses and the integration of a wide variety of extra-curricular activities such as science, music and movement and more.

At Little Engines we advocate the freedom of accessibility between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day following children’s natural rhythms. The outdoor programme provides a fine balance of experiences in Montessori activities, gross motor activities and gardening.

The Montessori curriculum is focused on supporting children to understand social rules and experiences through games we call grace and courtesy. At our specially prepared group times, we show children through role modelling, how to put their hand up, tuck in a chair or walk around another child’s play. This creates a calm learning space and children are very capable and confident in how things work with older children often demonstrating this to younger children.

We have an introduction to Montessori classroom for children transitioning into Montessori, where they then progress to the classroom for our older children where they can deeply engage in the Montessori materials.

For the last few months, we’ve been working hard alongside our parent committee to implement some exciting changes and learning experiences for our children. Being a Montessori centre, we are committed to the principles of Montessori that help children gain the concentration, confidence and love of learning they need as they grow and develop.

We’ve started to focus on how we can further build links with the amazing community in Grey Lynn and we couldn’t think of a better place to start extending children’s learning experiences than with Grey Lynn Primary School. Making these connections has meant that children are able to explore this additional space within their community and also understand some basic principles that occur in schools.

We know that building links with our community is important for the wellbeing and sense of belonging for all our children and together with our parents and whanau we are excited to continue this journey as we further enrich our curriculum.

We would love to share our centre and enriching programme with you, come and visit us!

Excellent education and care for children ages 2 - 5 years of age. Open 8am - 4.15pm, Monday - Friday.  PN

Jonathan Hughes is the Principal of Pasadena Intermediate School and has recently become a co-leader of Te Kāhui Ako o Waitematā.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Grey Lynn, and went to the local schools, Westmere and Pasadena. Coming back to Pasadena, it has been great to continue my long association with the school. It is also pleasing to see some ex-students coming back into the area and their children attending Pasadena. There are strong community ties here.

What inspired you to teach? One of my teachers at Mount Albert Grammar School, Miss Brown, really made a difference in my life by making a great connection with me; she made learning fun and vibrant. She also inspired me to make a difference in children’s lives like Miss Brown had done for me. So, when a few friends said that they were going to Auckland University to do a teaching degree, I decided to follow them.

Were your early teaching experiences local too? Yes, I started with a part-time job at Kowhai Intermediate while I was studying, then a full-time position at Waikowhai Intermediate. That was followed by becoming a Deputy Principal at Auckland Normal Intermediate School and culminated in becoming Principal at Pasadena in November 2014.

What made you want to take on the co-lead role for the Kahui Ako? Schools have been collaborating in various ways for several years. However, for me as a leader, it was very exciting for our local area to be able to formalise this by forming the Kahui Ako. It is very powerful, and ultimately best for student achievement, for students and staff to share teaching and learning approaches, from Primary School to Intermediate School and then onto Secondary School.

How does this fit with your role as Principal of Pasadena Intermediate School? Networking with other schools is a valuable tool. The ability to be able to work with passionate educators across our Kahui Ako is an excellent opportunity to be able to lead and have an impact on all of the students in our local area. By having a high performing Kahui Ako, I believe that students transitioning into and out of Pasadena will be more successful across all areas of the curriculum and life.

What keeps you occupied when you aren’t teaching? Mainly sport and my own children. I have a long association with Rugby League; I am on the Mount Albert Rugby League Committee where my son plays. And I follow my daughter’s various dance groups. I believe that children being involved in sports and making friendships is an integral part of a young person’s life.  PN

I LOVE LUCY BOOK REVIEW:

CLEMENTINE AND RUDY - SIOBHAN CURHAM - 12+

Clementine and Rudy follows the dual perspectives of two fifteen year olds (named Clementine and Rudy) who connect over their love of creativity and street art. Clem (Clementine) has a love of poetry, and often goes for walks around Brighton to write about the street art she sees. Rudy is a headstrong artist who is just beginning to make her art into street art, sneaking out late at night to apply her art to the city. They decide to join forces to create artworks featuring Clem’s poetry, and from this collaboration a beautiful friendship unfolds.

Behind the scenes, the girls are both dealing with their own personal struggles. Rudy has to come to terms with her Mum’s new boyfriend moving in and Clem has to put up with her horrible step-dad Vincent.

One of my favourite parts of this book was watching the friendship between the two girls grow, and seeing how they began to confide in each other about their struggles. The descriptiveness of Siobhan Curham’s writing was impressive, especially when she described the artwork. I was completely hooked when reading this book.

The ending felt slightly rushed, and while I do think that the book could have been longer, it didn’t affect the quality of the storyline. The author managed to tie up pretty much all loose ends, and I really enjoyed the book. (LUCY KENNEDY)  PN

Available at www.dorothybutlerbookshop.co.nz www.lucykennedywriter.wixsite.com/reviews instagram @luce_kennedy out of 5!