Welcome to our Whānau

There are so many places parents and whānau can find stories and ideas to support their journey, but getting practical, local, trustworthy information is not always easy.

Our Whanau Connect pages are designed to provide you with a resource to complement your Kidsfirst experience. Here, you’ll find a mix of home grown wisdom, academic and developmental ideas that resonate with the kindergarten philosophy and draw on the decades of experience of our teaching teams, as well as experts in a variety of fields.

Ngā mihi from all the team at Kidsfirst

Ngā tamariki, te ako, te katakata
The children, the learning, the laughter

Whānau Connect

• Helping children through hard times 26 Feb 2019Helping children through hard times 26 Feb 2019Every community and all whānau go through hard times, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Whether it's a global pandemic, or something challenging going on at home, our Kidsfirst community has been through a lot - and learned a lot about helping tamarki through. Read More
• The kindy difference 26 Feb 2019The kindy difference 26 Feb 2019Kindergarten is different in many ways from other forms of early childhood education. The learning through play, a focus on connection with the outdoors, biculturalism, strong values and the benefit of mixed aged groups are just some of the things that make up the ‘kindy difference.’Read More
• Bringing the learning home 26 Feb 2019Bringing the learning home 26 Feb 2019You are your child’s first teacher, and the learning that happens at home is so important. It doesn’t stop when your child starts kindergarten sounds better and some of the most fundamental learning happens in day-to-day life.Read More
• Ready for longer days 26 Feb 2019Ready for longer days 26 Feb 2019More hours at kindergarten can offer increased opportunities for learning and social development. How do you know if your child is ready to take on a longer day at kindergarten? Some of our fantastic kaiako from across the network have weighed in on some of the key indicators that your child may be ready.Read More
• Growing good people 26 Feb 2019Growing good people 26 Feb 2019Many whānau today are just as focused on what kind of person their child will become as much as the formal learning they might receive. It’s a big concern in workplaces now too. We asked kaiako how they help tamariki develop the behaviours and dispositions they will need for the future.Read More
• Can you rock te reo Māori like a 3 year old? 26 Feb 2019Can you rock te reo Māori like a 3 year old? 26 Feb 2019It happens to the best of us - that moment we realise our children are teaching us, instead of the other way around. These days, it’s as likely as not to be Te Reo Māori.Read More
• Getting kids out of the house and into the garden 26 Feb 2019Getting kids out of the house and into the garden 26 Feb 2019It’s never been more important that our children grow up feeling a sense of connection to, and respect for, the natural world around them,Read More
• Helping children through change 26 Feb 2019Helping children through change 26 Feb 2019How you support your child can turn challenging times into valuable life lessons and help build resilience for the rest of their lives. Read More
• Learning through play at home 26 Feb 2019Learning through play at home 26 Feb 2019As your child’s first teachers, you and your whānau have a key role to play in helping them to develop through play-based learning at home.Read More
• Raising confident, resilient kids 26 Feb 2019Raising confident, resilient kids 26 Feb 2019Most children go through phases when they’re more hesitant than usual. There are things you can do to boost your child’s confidence to give things a go.Read More
• Ready, set, go! Your child's first day 26 Feb 2019Ready, set, go! Your child's first day 26 Feb 2019The lunchbox is packed, the backpack waiting expectantly by the front door, and your toddler or preschooler is champing at the bit to finally become a ‘kindy kid’.Read More
• What is learning through play, and does it really prepare children for school? 26 Feb 2019What is learning through play, and does it really prepare children for school? 26 Feb 2019What is play-based learning at the heart of Kidsfirst founding philosophy and educational programme? Can it really prepare children for school and beyond?Read More
• Benefits of mixed age groups 26 Feb 2019Benefits of mixed age groups 26 Feb 2019One of the great things about kindergarten is that children get to learn, play and grow alongside others of all ages. Read More
• Encouraging independence 26 Feb 2019Encouraging independence 26 Feb 2019There are so many ways to help your preschooler become more independent in day-to- day life, but it’s not always easy to find the time or patience...Read More
• Help! My child won't let me leave 26 Feb 2019Help! My child won't let me leave 26 Feb 2019It can be hard to let go. Find out our tips to help you get over kindy drop-off drama.
  Read More
• Is my child ready for school? 26 Feb 2019Is my child ready for school? 26 Feb 2019Knowing whether or not your child is ready for that big step of starting school isn’t as easy as just ticking their fifth birthday off on your calendar. Read More
• The benefits of learning te reo Māori 26 Feb 2019The benefits of learning te reo Māori 26 Feb 2019So many more Kiwis are learning Te Reo Māori. There are some benefits that come with giving it ago, no matter your age.Read More
• Worried your child isn’t making friends? 26 Feb 2019Worried your child isn’t making friends? 26 Feb 2019“How can I help my child make friends?” is one of the most common questions parents ask. Discover our teachers’ tips to help your child develop social skills. Read More