Tiny Nation Educator - Hutt Valley - Gemma

My Philosophy

I believe children learn best through active, hands on play where they can explore at their own pace, revisit ideas, and build on their knowledge through experience. Tamariki thrive in environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and where they feel a strong sense of belonging.

I value mixed age play and the unique contributions each child brings to the group. I believe children deserve to be listened to and that their voices are important. Through play, I see them develop independence, social skills, and a growing confidence in themselves and the world around them.

Partnerships with whānau are essential. Families are a child’s first teacher, and by sharing learning and building trust, we support each tamaiti together in a meaningful and consistent way.

My Environment

I provide a learning environment that is always evolving to reflect the children’s interests. Resources are open ended, accessible, and designed to encourage investigation, risk taking, and problem solving.

We spend 3 to 4 mornings a week at Waterloo Playcentre, where children build relationships and explore a wide range of play experiences. On our home days, we enjoy slower rhythms, reading, building train tracks, sharing imaginary tea, playing with water, exploring the garden, or observing caterpillars on the swan plants. I aim to create an environment that supports curiosity, independence, and a love of learning.