Tiny Nation Educator - Manawatu - Nicole Trewavas

About Me

After completing high school, I headed off to Massey University College of Education, where I completed my Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Years 0-8 at the end of 2008.

Before moving to home-based, I was an early childhood teacher in a local childcare centre for over 10 years. I have had experience working in both under-twos and over-twos sections.

At the beginning of 2020, I decided to use the skills I learned in the centre and work as a home-based educator.

I am passionate about working with smaller groups of children where I can give them more one-to-one attention as I guide and extend children on their learning journeys. I also work closely in partnership with whānau to ensure I meet individual needs.

My Philosophy

‘Tiny Nation with Nicole’ is a home environment that works on a philosophy of whakawhānaungatanga, which encompasses our wider whānau to work together to achieve a common purpose.

I provide a loving, stimulating and flexible learning environment to nurture, encourage and support children on their learning journey of self-discovery.

I honour respectful relationships through purposeful connections, aroha and genuine affection. I provide a sense of whānau with open communication and relationships to create a strong learning support.

I encourage independence and believe in aspects of educational theorists and philosophies, such as the Montessori, Reggio Emilia and RIE/Pikler approaches.

My Environment

My playroom for the children is set up with different curriculum areas, such as reading, music, construction, play-dough, family-play, art and puzzles.

We move through the year participating in a variety of activities as the children learn about the seasons and special occasions such as Easter, Christmas and Matariki.

We love to get out and explore our community from nature walks and parks, to the Jumping Jellybeans programme at the library and to our Tiny Nation play-gym session. We also participate in events with the other Tiny Nation educators, such as at Music, Nga Taputapu and Playgroup.