Ashridge Road Playcentre of Ahuriri, Te Matau-a-Māui, was approached by a group of students from Japan, currently studying early childhood education.
They were visiting Aotearoa to learn and observe the ways in which different early childhood education settings work in New Zealand, and they were very interested in the whānau-led ethos of a Playcentre setting.
At Ashridge Road Playcentre we welcomed the group with a mihi whakatau for which we learned a new waiata. We had 10 guests arrive to our centre who were immediately immersed into the wonderous world of Playcentre. They were amazed to see the tamariki so enthralled in the slimy gloop and had many giggles and excitement as this was something far from their norm – although watching from a distance as the slime was flying through the air!
Our tamariki enjoyed displaying some other of their favourite activities such as paint, water and ice play and their carpentry creations. It was a great opportunity for our guests to see how special child-led learning is.
The Japanese students were amazed watching children with their parents learn and play side by side as they understand the value of a strong primary relationship.
It was a privilege to host our manuhiri and show them what sets Playcentre apart from other early childhood education settings.
