What’s Included in a Day? A Look Inside Our Play-Based Learning

When parents and centres choose a curriculum, they want something complete, easy to use, and genuinely enriching for tamariki. That’s why every single day in the Curious Kiwis Curriculum arrives fully planned, fully prepared, and filled with meaningful, play-based learning aligned with Te Whāriki.

Today, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at one complete day from our Under the Sea theme so you can see exactly how much value, thought, and joy is packed into each delivery.

This day explores clownfish, sea anemones, movement, letters, and fine motor learning… and yes, almost all of the materials you need come right in the box.

 1. Creative Construction: Building Clownfish Homes

Te Whāriki Links: Mana Aotūroa | Exploration - Children investigate habitats and ocean life. Mana Reo | Communication - Tamariki share ideas and express their understanding through art.

Children begin by watching pictures or a short clip of clownfish hiding safely inside sea anemones. This sparks rich conversation:

• “Why do clownfish hide?”

• “What makes the anemone their home?”

• “What keeps them safe?”

We introduce kaitiakitanga, helping tamariki learn about caring for ocean homes and the creatures living in them.

Then the fun begins! Using the provided craft supplies and Craft Cards, children create their very own clownfish homes. They explore textures, colours, and shapes while making their ocean habitat.

Learning Outcomes: ✔ I explore materials and colours to create a habitat. ✔ I express my ideas about clownfish and sea anemones through art.

 2. Clownfish & Anemone Movement Game

Te Whāriki Links: Mana Aotūroa | Exploration - Exploring movement like ocean creatures. Mana Tangata | Contribution - Building cooperation and shared play.

Using mats or hula hoops as “sea anemones,” children pretend to be clownfish while trying to avoid taggers (big fish or waves). Ocean music plays while they swim, hide, and move their bodies.

They’re learning teamwork, turn-taking, spatial awareness, and self-regulation, all while immersed in dramatic play.

Learning Outcomes: ✔ I explore movement like ocean creatures. ✔ I work with others and play safely.

3. Ocean Letter Find — With Bingo Chips & Support Cards

Te Whāriki Links: Mana Aotūroa | Exploration - Searching, observing, and recognising letters. Mana Reo | Communication - Naming and matching letters confidently.

Your pack includes:

• Ocean Letter Find worksheet

• Bingo chips

• Matching letter cards for early learners

The teacher calls out letters, and children place bingo chips over each matching one on their ocean sheet. For children still learning letters, the included letter cards give visual support.

We encourage naming letters and sounds, celebrating each discovery.

Learning Outcomes: ✔ I recognise and name letters. ✔ I use listening and observation skills to find them.

Tracing the Wiggly Sea Anemone Tentacles

Te Whāriki Links: Mana Aotūroa | Exploration - Developing coordination. Mana Reo | Communication - Early writing and mark-making.

Children trace the dotted, wavy tentacles of an anemone, first with fingers, then with markers or pencils. They also practice writing their name or tracing a provided name template, depending on their stage.

With each movement, children build fine motor strength and hand–eye coordination for writing readiness.

Learning Outcomes: ✔ I trace and make marks with control. ✔ I strengthen my writing muscles.

Why Families & Centres Love the Curious Kiwis Curriculum

This single day represents what every day looks like:

✨ Four meaningful, developmentally rich activities ✨ Hands-on materials included ✨ Craft supplies, worksheets, name practice, games - all ready to use ✨ Teacher-friendly instructions and Te Whāriki alignment ✨ Play-based learning that actually teaches skills ✨ Minimal planning or prep required

You open the pack… and the learning begins.

If you want a curriculum that blends creativity, literacy, movement, fine motor development, Māori values, and joyful play, all delivered to your door, the Curious Kiwis Curriculum has everything you need.

Your tamariki will learn. Your teachers will love it. And every day will feel like a new adventure.

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