Whakamanamana

You can expect something fresh each day, bringing the element of fun to learning at Kidsfirst Frankton.

At kindergarten, we encourage this in our learning through play philosophy, and so often, we get comments about just how happy Kidsfirst tamariki are, on their way to kindy or on their way home.

Kidsfirst Frankton is a prime example of this – which is why they won their 2023 Values Award.

From making dog biscuits for their furry friends, to helping tamariki make stepping stones with treasured objects, to dressing up strangely, and having fun on a wacky Wednesday, the team at Kidsfirst Frankton are always looking for wild and wonderful ways to wrap the learning with fun and entertainment.

The kindergarten often invites whānau to be a part of the process, involving friends and family to get stuck in with whatever’s happening.

Dog biscuits were something the kindergarten made with tamariki and gave away to the community.

Frankton’s Head Teacher, Alli Hickey, says that children are always the focus. “It’s really important for us that children have a growth mindset – that they learn about how to be a good learner, and that they have a really positive view of themselves, and a really strong learner identity.”

There’s been a lot of research showing that when children are happy and engaged they learn better. A positive attitude and dash of enthusiasm can have incredibly worthwhile results, so it’s not just fun for fun’s sake.

But it’s not all about the tamariki, as kaiako and whānau have fun at kindy, too. Whether it’s participating in activities, or watching their children grow, the team finds that relationships are everything.

A parent from the kindergarten whānau helped children to create stepping stones embedded with pebbles and other objects.

Every year Kidsfirst Kindergartens celebrate the individuals, kindergartens and teaching teams who have showcased our values in their mahi, with their generosity, hard work and enthusiasm for what we stand for and believe in.