New Shoots Ramarama - Centre Spotlight
We were lucky enough to catch up with centre manager Clare of New Shoots Ramarama as they prepare to open their doors today.
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Jessie PetersSeptember 07, 2022
We were lucky enough to catch up with centre manager Clare of New Shoots Ramarama as they prepare to open their doors and welcome a host of new children to the New Shoots family. The beautiful New Shoots Ramarama is due to open its doors today.
What's your all-time favourite children's book?
‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt written by Michael Rosen. It provides great opportunities for discussion and a wide range of follow-up experiences you can offer and set up – right down to going on your own bear hunt!
What's your favourite type of play?
That would have to be music and movement. Having worked with infants and toddlers, it always amazes me how early on, children develop an awareness of rhythm, pitch, and tone. Even the youngest of infants are responsive to music as it is a universal means of expression and communication, no matter where you are from.
Tell us your story about how you got into the early learning sector
Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I vividly remember leading play experiences where I would be the teacher with my cousins and friends at school. It wasn’t until I got older that I seemed to gravitate toward young children and form connections with children under five years old.
I started relieving in the school holidays at a country creche in my teens and had realised my calling. Upon finishing high school, I plunged straight into the study and thoroughly enjoyed it. On my final placement was assigned an infant and toddler room. My associate teacher (who later became a monumental mentor) helped me develop confidence in working with infants and toddlers as I didn’t have much experience with that age. By the end of my placement, I enjoyed it so much that I never left! I was lucky enough to be offered a full-time position.
I had found my niche working alongside infants and toddlers, which became the base for my career. Fast forward 15 years, and I couldn’t imagine being in any other line of work!
What is one thing parents could do to encourage children to learn at home?
Learning occurs at any moment and at any time. Being present, even just for 10 minutes, to play and interact with your child is invaluable to creating meaningful learning. Talk to your child and just ‘be’. In a world where life is so busy, taking the time to play with your child (especially outside) creates a love of lifelong learning.
What is your favourite rainy-day activity for under 5’s?
Getting your raincoat, gumboots, and an umbrella and splashing in the puddles is guaranteed a favourite. If that’s not your jam, building a fort in the lounge with material, blankets, sheets and cuddling up with some books is always a winner in my house.
What is it about your centre that makes it unique?
Every inch of our space in our centre has been designed for children to experience a beautiful space where they can tinker, potter, create and investigate. Our teachers have a passion and love for setting up experiences that engage children and building on children’s capabilities. We are also part of an up-and-coming community that is semi-rural, with the local primary school just a short walk up the road. We are excited to get to know and work alongside the community.
What is the centre’s philosophy?
We believe that a child must be in a secure and happy environment to learn and develop. This is enhanced with the support of warm, caring and well-trained teachers. A well-prepared and carefully designed curriculum stimulates children. A good quality physical environment allows children and teachers to maximise play and ‘work’. New Shoots encourages children to develop their full potential through the opportunity to experience a broad range of hands-on experiences with the support of Kaiako (teachers).
Next steps
If you would like to book a visit at New Shoots Ramarama feel free to check out their listing on Kindello. If you live somewhere else in New Zealand here is a link to the other New Shoots centres.
