Home About Us How children learn
How children learn
Te Whāriki and our Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy, together in everyday practice.
Bringing Te Whāriki to life
Bringing Te Whāriki
to life
Our curriculum brings Te Whāriki and our Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy together in everyday practice. It balances intentional teaching with the freedom and time children need to develop relationships and investigate ideas.
We weave its principles of empowerment, holistic development, family and community, and relationships through everyday experiences rather than treating them as separate areas of teaching.
Each centre interprets Te Whāriki in ways that reflect its children, families and local community: a curriculum grounded in its own place and connected to the shared values and teaching approach of Magic Garden.
Ways of being and
ways of thinking
We know children are instinctively eager to form connections with the world around them and curious about how it all works. Over time this curiosity becomes investigation, experimentation and creative expression. Teachers lean into children’s clever plans that become ever increasingly complex and amazing.
Thinking by design
Thinking
by design
Our intention is a well-prepared classroom that supports many learning strategies and styles of inquiry. We activate curiosity through beauty and intriguing materials promoting children’s focus and flow of creativity. Literacy, maths, science, technology, visual and performing arts are all integrated in the structure of the setups throughout the rooms.
Ready for school, prepared for life
Ready for school,
prepared for life
At Magic Garden, preparation for school does not begin in the Over Three Room. It unfolds throughout a child's time with us, as confidence, independence, communication and curiosity grow.
Informed by Te Whāriki and conversations with local schools, our approach develops five interconnected areas: independence and self-care; social competence and the language of play; early literacy and numeracy; investigation and curiosity; and kaitiakitanga and the arts.
Foundation skills emerge through meaningful play, rich conversation and real responsibility, not by bringing formal schooling into early childhood.
As school
approaches
As school approaches, teacher visits, school excursions, our School Wall and participation in the local Kāhui Ako strengthen familiarity and connection. Our goal is a child who can separate from a parent with confidence, build relationships, ask questions, persevere with challenges and approach school with a strong identity as a capable learner.
Relationships, belonging, and transitions Experiences beyond the everyday