Celebrating Our Young Learners at the Early Years Whanau Centre by Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education NZ
Celebrating Our Young Learners at the Early Years Whānau Centre
This term, we have been focusing on the Deaf Identity and the Identities of our whānau members. Benazir, our NZSL Tutor, has involved our whānau in creating a collage to discuss themselves (Ko Wai Au?).
Following this, we planned a trip to Hillmorton High School Deaf Hub to meet older Deaf role models with the students. The Hillmorton students were involved in planning and leading some Christmas craft activities for our children, and they planned and presented some creative drama/storytelling of 'The Three Little Pigs'.
Earlier in the term, we went on a trip to Arion Farm. Arion is a safe space where our students are provided with many hands-on opportunities to learn about farm animals. We had so many exciting learning opportunities where we explored what the animals look, feel and smell like. We learnt what they like eating and the NZSL signs for them. We were fortunate enough to have the support of First Signs Tutors from Deaf Aotearoa coming along in order to have excellent signing role models. Some children demonstrated how they could now read some of the written notices. Some said new words that had not been said before. Some students surprised their family members by getting close and touching/handling some animals, letting animals eat food from their hands, being brave and having their first ride ever on a horse!
We have recently introduced a science and math area to explore vocabulary which investigates a deeper understanding of some concepts e.g. Grouping, opposites, patterns, sorting, measurement etc. And we look forward to adding to this area to enrich children's opportunities to explore this area.
The Virtual Preschool Group has been running fortnightly this term, and we have presented on many topics such as the Theory of Mind, Making Experience Books for your child, Deaf Aotearoa and a parent perspective on raising Deaf Children and Developing Language throughout Your Day. Please let people know that this program is for Preschool children and that anyone who does and doesn't receive Ko Taku Reo services can join.
We sadly say farewell to Hailey, Leo and Oscar, who are going to school next year and Theo, who will be moving up north; all the best on your learning journey.
