At Treetops Early Learning Centres we recognise the opportunities for learning that happen when we go on excursions outside the licensed premises.

These events provide new experiences for our tamariki and whānau while strengthening connections with the local and wider community. At Treetops Botany we are very fortunate to have the Botany Library right next door to our centre. This opens up opportunities for our children to engage in storytimes, dancing sessions and cultural events throughout the year. 

Our Kea children have a ritual of visiting the library once a week for storytime. This is the highlight of their week as they walk together to the library and enjoy a story read by the librarian. The stories are usually linked to the children’s current interest or any events happening throughout the year such as Matariki or Christmas. For special occasions or cultural events, the library will put on extra activities such as art and crafts or dancing to new music. 

Through these weekly visits, the children are able to develop their own working theories by observing and experiencing different people, places and things. They are able to engage in social interaction not only with each other but with the people who work in our community. This helps develop their communication skills and instils a sense of belonging. These visits also help them build strong links between Treetops, their home and the wider community. Exploration of the wider community stimulates holistic development and empowerment because children enhance their self-worth and identity in the community

We are very grateful to the staff at Botany Library for the effort and time they put into making these events interactive, educational, memorable and fun for the children. The skills the children are learning such as confidence, language use, listening, story-telling, imaginative skills will be valuable throughout their lives.