Karen
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About Me
Hello there, I’m Karen and live in Pukekohe. I love reading and getting outdoors. I have a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching), and have worked in home-based for nearly ten years. I also have a Diploma in Graphic Design, so we do a lot of art.
I work hard to support children in developing the skills needed for them become confident, competent learners, ready for school. I value forming a strong collaborative team with parents and whānau, because children really want and need their parents to be involved in their learning.
The depth of our friendships (both with me and with other children) is beyond words. I take absolute delight in chatting with children and hearing their many magical stories which always bring a smile to my face. I marvel at their unique ideas on how something works, like what will happen to their ice boat when placed in water. Or working together to find answers to those questions they have about the world around them.
And it’s always special when I see a child encouraging or comforting their friend, or even me! Let’s not forget how important those hugs are as well. It’s moments like these that remind me that I have the best job in the world.
Our Time Together
Getting out and about in our local community is an important part of my program. I feel lucky I get to share in these experiences with the children.
We enjoy leisurely walks and the children always impressed with their keen observation skills. I live close to a forest where children are able to make connections with the natural environment; filled with all the sights, sounds, and smells that ignite their curiosity. They also learn about sustainability and caring for their surroundings.
We do outings to our library where the children choose their own books for me to read. On Mondays we attend a local playgroup and the children LOVE going to gymnastics! This is a great, safe place for the children to figure out how best to move their bodies as they learn new skills.
At home we do a lot of art, science and math activities. If that wasn’t enough, we also do outings to beaches, gardens and other places in and around Auckland.
Stems FROM HOME Programme
Stems FROM HOME run a varied weekly programme that all of our Educators and whānau are welcome to attend. This includes;
Playgroup, Little Groovers Music, Korikori Tinana/Active Movement, Kaititiro Whenua (community explorers), and Art in The Park. We also frequently visit the local Rest Home and O Wairoa Marae, and do workshops for the children at Bunnings. All information is shared in our term flyer.
House Keeping
* First Aid/Civil Defence Kit * Cot/bed * Highchair * Car seats
* Personal linen and hand towels
* A quiet home environment, in which children are able to have really good naps (if needed). If your child has a dummy or security object for sleep time, please send these inside their bag.
* Programme planning and monthly learning stories about your child’s individual learning and development, by using Educa (online portfolios).
* A change of clothes as we like to fully experience everything we do!
* A hat and sunblock in summertime. Please apply sun block to your child in the morning and I will reapply during the day.
* Gumboots and a raincoat for the rainy months
* Sufficient nappies, wipes/cream, bibs, and feeding bottles
* A healthy packed lunchbox and a water bottle
Please remember to bring along your child’s Stems Journal. These
are a useful communication tool for sharing daily entries about your
child’s day, care routines, happenings and up-coming events).
