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Sarah van de Walt

Sarah

Tiny Nation Educator - Trentham, Upper Hutt

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About Me

After being a primary school teacher for 7.5 years and now becoming a mum I have decided to take my carer to my home. I enjoy being fit and healthy and have played sports such as water polo, swimming, and netball at a representative level, so health and well-being are important to me.

Our family has a small dog called Stanley who we love so much. I am passionate about animals and also looking after the environment so they can thrive to the best of their ability. I have a young daughter and baby who both LOVE other people and children.

Places We Like To Visit

Tiny Nation events
Local Library 

Parks 

 

My Availability

I am available Monday-Friday, 7.30am-5pm.

I have space for an over-2-year-old.

 

My Philosophy

I believe creating positive relationships with children and their whānau is key to their success as learners. It is the foundation for them to feel safe and secure in new environments and allows them to flourish to the best of their ability.

Respecting all cultures is important to me and I like to include that in day-to-day connections with our tamariki. I also like creating a learning environment that is safe, fun and authentic with meaning and relevance. This means that teaching and exposing the children to themes and ideas that are relevant to their lives, our wider community, and the current world they live in. Things that are relevant to them such as matariki, the seasons, and local wildlife.

I am a big believer in play, and in particular play that involves natural resources and open-ended play, where children simply follow their imagination to allow the play to go in any direction their creativity takes them.

My Environment

We have a fully fenced large section with lots of space to run around on the grass or ride on toys up and down the driveway. I am interested in taking the children to play groups with other educators from Tiny Nations. I like to think of the environment as a third teacher, therefore they will learn through play by experiencing what is around them. Our home has a dedicated playroom for the children to explore certain topics and provocations that I will set out.

My Training

I hold a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and I have completed various professional development courses including behaviour for learning, learning through play, Te Reo Maori, Incredible Years Teacher Training, literacy and numerous courses. I have a current first aid qualification for child first aid.

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Tiny Nation
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CONTACT US
0800 846 9628
info@tinynation.co.nz
PO Box 8703, Havelock North
Hawke’s Bay 4157

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