Nau mai haere mai
Pod
2.5 – 3.5 Years Old*
Our tamariki in Pod are now quite independent little ones. Here we focus on growing this further with more physical and social/emotional challenges. Our tamariki learn to advance their hand-eye coordination and communication skills. They become more capable of sharing what they want or don’t want, how they feel and what they like or don’t like.
How do our tamariki learn?
comes in many forms...
“Communication skills develop when there is something meaningful for children to communicate about – when they take an active role”
– Prof. Lilian Katz
Communication is the start of sharing ourselves outwardly. It starts just as soon as we are babies old enough to see that a cute smile gets us special attention. And a giggle..WOW!
By the age of 2.5 – 3 years old we are beginning to advance our skills of language communication and it’s tricky! Up until now our communication has been mostly using our physical bodies, noises and a few words, but now we are learning that language, and more specifically, sentences are more effective.
Our Pod Kaiako
Ko Caitie tōku ingoa.
I am originally from Waikato and have spent the last two years living in Hawke’s Bay. My husband and I recently moved to Pukekohe to be closer to our whānau and friends, who are such an important part of our lives.
Becoming an early childhood teacher has always been a dream of mine, and I have been fortunate to live that dream for the past seven years. I have a real passion for working alongside tamariki, supporting and encouraging them as they grow, learn, and discover new skills.
I value building strong, reciprocal relationships with tamariki and their whānau, and I believe these connections are at the heart of meaningful learning. I’m really excited to begin this new journey at Wild and Love, and I look forward to getting to know you all.
Caitie
Kritika
Kia ora,
My name is Kritika Vermani. I hold a Bachelor of Computer Applications and a Master of Business Administration, and I have over six years of experience teaching in a secondary school setting. After gaining my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education), I have been working in the early childhood sector for nearly two years and am a registered early childhood teacher.
I believe tamariki are naturally curious and learn best through play and exploration. My aim is to create a warm, respectful, and inclusive environment where children feel safe to ask questions, try new things, and grow in independence. I love building meaningful relationships with tamariki and making learning engaging through storytelling, music, and hands-on activities.
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Victoria
Kia ora koutou katoa,
Ko Victoria tōku ingoa, my name is Victoria, and I’m delighted to join the Pod room as a newly graduated and registered kaiako. I hold a Bachelor of Education (TESOL) from the University of Auckland, and have recently completed my Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
My teaching philosophy is inspired by the whakataukī “Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu” - I believe that with the right support, tamariki will flourish. I value play as a powerful context for learning, and I am committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, respected, and empowered to explore in their own ways. As a kaiako, I also see myself as a lifelong learner - always reflecting, collaborating, and growing. I look forward to supporting our tamariki to become confident, capable learners.