Tiny Nation Educator- Christchurch - Lana

About Me

With over 15 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) sector, I have developed strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching skills across a range of educational settings. I bring 5 years of experience as a Centre Manager, leading teams to deliver high-quality learning outcomes and ensuring full compliance with ECE standards and regulations. I also have 2 years of experience as a Visiting Teacher in home-based education, supporting educators and families to provide nurturing and engaging learning environments.

For the past year, I have worked as a home-based educator, where I have seen firsthand the benefits of small, calm environments for children’s growth and development. I believe children learn best in a peaceful home setting where they feel safe, secure, and supported to explore, learn, and reach their full potential.

I am a qualified and fully registered teacher with current First Aid certification, passionate about fostering positive, respectful relationships and creating environments that inspire a lifelong love of learning.

My Philosophy

With over 10 years of experience working within Reggio-inspired centres, my teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious, and leaders of their own learning. I am deeply inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and the concept of the hundred languages of children—recognising that every child expresses their thinking, creativity, and understanding in many unique ways.

I see myself as the “paparazzi” of learning—observing, documenting, and capturing those magical moments of discovery and growth to share with families. I believe that parents and whānau know their children best, and I strive to work in partnership with them to reflect their aspirations and goals within each child’s learning journey. Child voice is at the heart of my practice and is clearly reflected through my documentation and learning stories.

My learning environment is deeply connected to the natural world, where children explore through bug hunts, mud kitchens, sensory play, and creative expression. I view art as a powerful form of communication for children, often expressed through large group murals on cardboard outdoors or open-ended, project-based learning experiences.

My Environment

In my home-based learning environment, children are immersed in the natural world and encouraged to learn through exploration, creativity, and play. Families can expect a calm, nurturing space where children feel safe, valued, and confident to express themselves in their own unique ways.

Our days are filled with opportunities for hands-on discovery—bug hunts in the garden, messy play in the mud kitchen, sensory experiences, and art as a form of communication. I view art as a language for children to share their ideas and emotions, and we often create large group murals outdoors or explore open-ended materials to inspire imagination and collaboration.

My programme is project-based, giving children the freedom to revisit their own creations—whether it’s building, art, or recyclable construction—to deepen their thinking and build on their current knowledge. These projects often grow from the children’s interests and curiosity about the world around them, allowing them to take the lead in their learning.

I believe in fostering strong relationships with whānau, recognising that parents know their children best. I work in partnership with families to include their aspirations and goals in each child’s learning journey, and I document their progress through meaningful stories and photos that celebrate every magical learning moment.