Recently we were really fortunate to have a very special visitor come to Buckle My Shoe from the Tauranga Library. Debbie Tipuna, the illustrator of 'Ko Mauao te Maunga: Legend of Mauao', carried out a very special mat-time with a range of experiences for all our tamariki and kaiako to engage in. She began by introducing her pepeha, followed by one of our favourite welcome songs - haere mai, and then together, we had a Kani Kani (dance). 👏👏

Before coming into the centre, Debbie asked us what some of our current focus topics were at Buckle My Shoe. We shared that sustainability, social and emotional competence and language & literacy were among the main ones. Debbie customised our visit to support and extend on our little ones’ learning and development in these areas - how lucky are we! 😍

Debbie read the stories 'One Earth', 'Kind Crocodile' and 'A Best Friend for Bear’, and our little ones were hanging off her every word. 📖

She also sang some nursery rhymes such as "Two Little Dickie Birds', 'Incy Wincy', 'Bee Hive' and a special take on 'Old Mac Donald had a farm' but this time he went to the beach! The props she brought along with her to accompany these songs were eye-catching and fun, with her even letting our little ones have a go with them. 💕💕

Our tamariki had so much fun engaging, listening, and singing alongside Debbie, As did our kaiako! Mat-times are a big part of our daily routine at Buckle My Shoe and our little ones look forward to the new and exciting things we have planned for them. 😊

We were so thankful to have Debbie come and extend these areas of learning for our tamariki so they can have new knowledge to retell and express as they explore and play alongside their peers. And as they play, they are also making new connections to their understanding of the wider world around them. 🙌

Language is a vital part of all our learning journeys and is an essential part of all cultures, whether this is carried out verbally or non-verbally. Language supports our little ones’ brain and cognitive development, which is needed to support other areas of learning that they undertake later in life. It is the art of expression and a supportive tool that we use to express our thoughts, feelings/emotions, values and beliefs; enhancing our social and emotional competence. 😊

Singing songs and exploring stories through books are also fundamental for early literacy and help our little ones to become familiar with concepts such as rhyme, repetition, and sounds. 👩‍🎤👨‍🎤

Debbie shared with us how they carry out story times at our local library - Greerton, and we cannot wait to take our little ones out into the community to continue and extend their love of books, language, and literacy. 😊🙌📖👏😍