Wycliffe Nga Tamariki Kindergarten
Wycliffe Nga Tamariki Kindergarten is one of fifteen kindergartens in the Napier area administered by the Napier Kindergarten Association.
Innovation
Over several years, a strong partnership developed between Wycliffe Nga Tamariki Kindergarten and Upu Amata (a Samoan immersion early childhood centre) in the neighbourhood. A group of Samoan children attend the Upu Amata in the morning and the kindergarten in the afternoon; and the same Samoan assistant teacher works in both settings. The provision of bilingual experiences at kindergarten adds English without detracting from Samoan, and fosters positive inter-cultural relationships. The use of ICT enhances communication between Samoan homes and kindergarten.
Centres of Innovation (COI) research
Major research questions:
Exploring the partnership between the Upu Amata and the kindergarten, how can learning and teaching be improved in the intercultural afternoon session?
More specific questions included:
- When is it best to add English for children who have languages other than English?
- How does the use of ICT affect parent engagement with children's learning?
- How does the kindergarten create a community of learners?
COI tenure
April 2003 to June 2006 (Round one).
Research associates
Penny Haworth, Massey University, Palmerston North (April 2003 – June 2003)
Joy Mepham, Massey University (April 2003 – October 2004)
Joy Cullen, Massey University (October 2004 – June 2006)
Service location
26 Cranby Crescent, Onekawa, Napier, New Zealand.
Visitors
Wycliffe Nga Tamariki Kindergarten completed its COI contract in June 2006 and is no longer resourced to accommodate many visitors.
Contact details
Telephone: 06 843 2932
Fax: 06 843 6471
Email: wycliffe.nga.tamariki.kgtn@xtra.co.nz