A Very Special Day With Our Teddy Bears!

The room was buzzing before morning tea had even been poured. Teddy bears of every size, colour, and well-loved scruffiness lined the shelves and laps of our tamariki - cherished companions brought from home, each one carrying a little piece of family warmth into our space on Cameron Road. There was something truly special about seeing those small arms clutching their favourite friends so proudly as they arrived, ready to share them with the group. The energy was joyful, the smiles wide, and the day stretched ahead full of possibility.😊

Our kaiako had prepared something lovely - personalised labels for each teddy, carefully made with the child's name alongside their bear's name. The pride on each little face as they saw their friend officially recognised was simply gorgeous. Tamariki settled in for teddy bear stories, shook their sillies out with some bear-inspired dancing, and created beautiful art inspired by their soft companions. Then came the picnic - fairy bread, fresh fruit, donut cookies, a chocolate treat, and to finish, a cold ice cream on a warm Tauranga afternoon. One tamariki declared, "My bear loved the fairy bread the most!" 😍

Days like this are woven through with rich learning, even when - especially when - they feel like pure fun. Through our Growing Great Character programme, moments of sharing beloved belongings and caring for a friend (even a stuffed one) nurture kindness and respect in the most natural way. Our Preschool Pillars framework was alive in the language-rich storytelling, the fine motor art-making, and the social joy of gathering together for kai. Across Te Whāriki, we see Mana Reo in the stories told and the labels created, and Mana Tangata shining through each tamariki's pride in their own special bear. ❤️

These are the days tamariki will carry with them - soft, warm memories of feeling celebrated and belonging. There is something beautifully intentional about inviting whanau into our centre through the things children love most at home. That teddy bear was a bridge between two worlds, and we are so glad it joined us today. We'd love to hear what your little one said about their day - ask them about their bear's label, or which treat was the favourite. These conversations matter, and you are always such a cherished part of the ako we share together.