Learning rooms
Welcome to the Urbankids Learning Rooms.
We believe in providing quality education and care by professionally trained teachers where your child has a sense of belonging and will enjoy a happy, safe, healthy and stimulating environment
We encourage and support your child to become an independent lifelong learner.
There are 5 learning rooms at UrbanKids. We cater for children from birth to school age. The Maui room is where babies join our centre then children progress to the Gecko room and then move on to the Dragonfly room and finally the Pukeko room. We also have a technology room where children are immersed in hands on learning of technology skills.
Progression to the next learning room is based on overall holistic development. We cater for children as individuals which means we are not holding a child back if they are ready for more stimulation or creating anxiety if a child is not ready for change.
Maui Room
The Maui room is the youngest children’s classroom. In the Maui room we have developed a programme and daily routine that caters for the individual child and their needs. We work alongside the parents/whanau to have a routine for the children that is similar to what the child experiences in their own home. Throughout our day we like to include new experiences and activities for the children such as art, outdoor play, messy play and tactile/sensory experiences.
We ask parents/whanau to bring nappies, bottles, at least 2 changes of clothes, any comfort items and any other things your child may need (such as a sunhat in summer). We have daily forms that we ask parents/whanau to fill out in the morning and the teachers fill out during the day so that both parents and teachers are aware of the child’s routine and how their day was.
Meet our innovative team:
Kia Ora, Ko Emma taku ingoa. I am the team leader and qualified teacher of the younger children’s area, the Maui and Gecko rooms. I believe that all children should have the opportunity to experience new things and be a part of an environment that is stimulating, beautiful and interactive. I am passionate about photography, netball and being with my family and friends, I also love to fish, go camping, run and shop! I always look forward to being a part of a child’s life and getting to know them and their family.
Steph
Kia Ora my name is Steph. I have recently moved back to Tauranga from Wellington, where I studied at Victoria University. Over four years of studying I completed a Bachelor of Arts conjoint with a Bachelor of Teaching majoring in early childhood education. In my spare time you will find me spending time with my family and friends. I particularly enjoy any kind of water sport or outdoor activity. I am extremely passionate about working with young children and I look forward to getting to know and build relationships with the children and families here at UrbanKids.
Gecko Room
The Gecko room is the next transition after the youngest Maui room. We like to refer to this room as a room of “first’s”. This is where they will learn to work with others in a group, sharing with their peers and the development of literacy and mathematical ideas. The teachers work together to plan a programme and routine where children’s individual needs and developmental curiosities are met. The children sit together for all meals and go to sleep after lunch in the technology room (another ‘first’).
We ask families to bring at least 2 changes of clothes and nappies/Pull Ups and any comfort items required.
Meet our fabulous team:
Lyza
Kia Ora, Hello. My name is Lyza, I am currently completing a degree in early childhood education. In my spare time you will find me embracing the outdoors. I enjoy the beach and all water sports. I enjoy photography, cooking, arts and crafts, being creative, and most importantly spending time with family and friends. I am excited about getting to know and build a rapport with the children and their families here at UrbanKids.
Dragonfly Room
The Dragonfly room is the next step up for the children in our centre where they will experience a structured programme that incorporates a daily routine within it. The children in the Dragonfly room will be exposed to a programme where they will be involved in group times to expand their knowledge and learning within their current interests. Teachers will ensure that they provide a plan where children will have their interests researched and extended through experiences, interactions and activities on a daily basis. We begin the morning with free play, which incorporates both social skills and personal choices. Throughout the morning our programme includes PMP (Perceptual Motor Programme) where the children have opportunities to further develop their gross motor skills such as balance, co-ordination amd agility, we also have mat times where the children are involved in story books, songs, dancing and more and we also have a focus time which is small group learning with activities based on the children’s current interests. As the day goes on there are lots of opportunities for the children to be involved in activities such as cutting, threading and a range of fine motor and art experiences. The children also have a sleep/rest time after lunch.
Please provide at least 2 changes of clothes, several changes of underwear or nappies/ Pull Ups according to their toileting needs.
Meet our fabulous team:
Nicola
Kia ora my name is Nicola. I am extremely passionate about educating and caring for young children and have been teaching for 6 years. I believe in empowering young children by tuning in to their individual interests whilst assisting them to become independent life long learners. I am in my 3rd year of study completing a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). In my spare time I enjoy exercise, snowboarding, music and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to working alongside the children and families here at UrbanKids.
Carey
Hi my name is Carey. I am a qualified ECE teacher. I completed my studies in South Africa, where I am from. I have always enjoyed working with children and learning more about new cultures and experiencing new things which is why my partner and I moved to New Zealand this year. We both love the sea and sunshine and fell in love with the beautiful Tauranga area. I look forward to learning more and growing on this exciting new adventure.
Amy
Kia ora, my name is Amy. I have been working in Tauranga as an early childhood educator for the last 10 years, as well as having 3 children of my own along the way. I am currently in my 2nd year studying with Canterbury University and working in the Dragonfly room with the unique children/tamariki and kaiako at UrbanKids.
Pukeko Room
“Nau te rourou, Naku te routou, Ka or ate manuhiri” With what the children bring, with what I bring, together this will create learning.
Walk into the Pukeko room and you will find an environment that is warm, light and inviting. As a transition to school classroom, our focus is upon providing children and parents with the skills necessary to experience a smooth transition to school. Examples of children’s work decorate the walls providing parents and visitors with an insight into the high quality learning that takes place. We have a huge focus upon maths and literacy, both of which are taught in a variety of different contexts, ensuring that the children are given multiple opportunities to explore, engage and extend their thinking. The interests that each individual child brings are pivotal in shaping the topics and activities that are taught. Through utilising children’s strengths and interests, we are creating a positive classroom environment which fosters good relationships and encourages inclusion. Our daily program is based upon consistent routines and a variety of activities to include PMP (Perceptual Motor Programme), literacy, mathematics, science, technology, ICT, art and Maori. We aim to provide a balanced and enhanced educational experience for all children.
Meet our dynamic team:
Laura
Kia ora, tena koutou katoa, my name is Laura and I live with my partner Rob and daughter Summer at The Mount. Originally hailing from the UK, I moved to New Zealand 5 years ago. Having completed a Bachelor of Teaching (primary) in Christchurch I moved to the Tauranga area early 2011. I am passionate about kitesurfing, walking, reading, watching documentaries and spending time with my family which includes a dog and two cats. My professional strengths lie in developing high quality literacy and numeracy programs that engage, ignite interest and extend children.
Allie
Hi my name is Allie.
Lindsay
