Daily rituals – Butterflies

At Pipitea, we have a number of daily rituals for our tamariki. These provide familiarity and structure to the daily life of our centre.

Butterflies (over twos)
From 7.45am tamariki begin to arrive. Whānau are encouraged to talk to kaiako about their tamariki and provide any important information. A tea ritual is offered on arrival to all tamariki.

Activities and a range of resources are available to the tamariki to freely play with. Tamariki are encouraged to take part in play-based learning, allowing them to explore their own interests both independently or as a group.

From 8.45am the outdoor space is opened and tamariki can choose to play outdoors if they wish. Rituals such as nappy changes begin at this time as we go with the cues from the tamariki.

From 9.30am morning kai is offered as a rolling kai. Tamariki will receive a first and last call for kai. Fruit and water is always served alongside morning kai and the tamariki take part in serving their own kai at their tables.

Rituals and free play continue throughout the morning.

At 11am a kaiako will begin setting up the stretcher beds for the Butterfly tamariki who sleep during the day. From 11.15 tamariki are invited to join in a hui where a kaiako will read stories, sing songs or run an educational activity.

From 11.30 lunch is served. The tamariki help themselves to bowls, glasses and water jugs. A karakia is sung at each table as the tamariki sing and hold hands to bless the food they are about to eat. Kai is served in large self-service dishes.

From 12pm tamariki who sleep begin to get ready. A kaiako will sit with the group of tamariki sleeping, helping those that need encouragement at this time.

Tamariki that don’t sleep are able to play in a separate room or outside. Some quiet activities are set up inside to encourage tamariki to be respectful to those that are sleeping.

From 2.30pm afternoon kai is called and again is served as rolling kai time.

Free play and rituals continue throughout the afternoon.

At 4.45pm the outdoor play area is tidied up and closed. Free play continues on deck area and inside as children get picked up and a late snack of fresh fruit is offered. At this time the Caterpillar tamariki join the Butterfly room.

At 5.45pm the centre closes.