Our Programme

At Creative Cubs we place importance in play and focus on a creative arts approach. We know that children who are given freedom of choice and are actively engaged and involved become curious, ask questions, take risks, problem solve and see themselves as competent and capable young people. 

Teachers work alongside to guide, support and challenge tamariki to discover their own learning, to make choices and follow their interests.

We use Storypark as a communication tool to share daily happenings, learning goals and stories of your child’s learning and development. We update photos, videos and share notices and special events. Storypark is a great way for families to be more involved in our programme planning and in capturing the wonder of learning moments. 

Te Whariki, early childhood curriculum

Creative Cubs curriculum is inspired by best teaching practises around the world, such as Magda Gerber’s RIE, the competencies in Tataiako, Carl Orff and Te Whariki, the Early childhood Curriculum document. We use Te Whariki to guide our planning based on the principles of empowerment, holistic development, family and community and relationships. 

Arts approach

Within our programme, we place importance on the arts approach where children will have regular opportunities to express themselves through music, dance and drama. This supports the holistic development of all children and provides opportunities for numerous learning pathways. 

The Carl Orff approach is a child-centered approach towards music education, combining music, movement, drama and speech into learning experiences similar to child’s world of play. “Since the beginning of time, children have not liked to study. They would much rather play, and if you have their interests at heart, you will let them learn while they play; they will find that what they have mastered is child’s play. Tell me, I forget, show me, I remember, involve me, I understand” Carl Orff. 

Research consistently states the significant benefits children gain from on-going and regular opportunities in the creative arts. “The arts are an important building block in the early years as it supports the development of a child in a number of ways, furthering their cognitive, social, problem solving and personal competencies, as well as their physical, verbal and emotional development” Jenson, K. (2018). Early childhood: Learning through visual art. He Kupu, 5 (3), 75-82.