School holiday programmes

These are our most popular programmes. It is a great opportunity to have your child outside being creative and active next school holidays. However, be in quick though as we often sell out with our regular children booking in from one holiday period to the next.

On these days we begin with introductions and team challenges to get to know each other. This either flows into a creative activity or literacy experience over morning tea, often related to the overarching theme of the programme.

Throughout the day there is plenty of time for free play outdoors with loose parts - think hut making, water play, climbing trees and imaginative play. There is then the opportunity to make afternoon tea and finish the day with a group game.

To register - all bookings for programmes in the school holidays are done through our Aimy.plus booking system. Put Elements Canterbury or Elements NZ in the ‘school’ field to see the options.

https://elements.aimyplus.com/

Education Outside the Classroom

Elements regularly hosts primary aged school groups for Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) experiences. We also host early learning centres and other community groups. The content of the day can be tailored towards supporting the learning inquiry at your school or we can help you link our experiences to the NZ Curriculum or Te Whaariki. Not only is it a wonderful learning experience for the children but teachers are always thrilled to see their students in a new light engaging in our curriculum. Full risk assessment and other supporting policies or documents can be provided.

Ako Elements (‘1 day nature school’)

This is an option that more and more families are looking to engage in for a variety of reasons. As a family you may already value learning in a natural environment, or your child maybe struggling in a mainstream classroom environment. Alternatively you maybe homeschooling but wish for your child to interact with peers. Whatever the reason that you are looking for alternative options ‘1 day school’ is a legitimate option within NZ for primary aged children and by conversation & by negotiation can be signed off by a Principal or Board. Within ‘1 day school’ children have all the educational and developmental benefits of the programme as well as building upon this learning within a small group week to week. Individual or small group projects can be supported. With the inclusion of a natural environment. in their week, children are often able to master self regulation. Note: this is not currently available in all regions.

Wild Ones - playgroup 2-6yrs

CURRRENTLY ON HOLD This is a fun playgroup with children aged 2-6 years and their caregiver (younger siblings welcome).   After a brief introduction, and maybe a song, we have an experience such as a bug hunt or leaf throwing etc, and sometimes a creative experience e.g. making a leaf crown.  Children are usually ready for morning tea by then, and we share stories at this time.  Next is plenty of free play in our forest area with loose parts. While this is the general flow of the day, we go with the needs of the children.  Note: this is not available in all regions currently.   For more information, email: elementsprogrammes@gmail.com

Professional Development

We like to be able to support students and have often been the subject of observation for assignments. For existing teachers and educators there are various options for PLD from possibly attending existing programmes that are running or delivery of bespoke workshops for your team. Director Kim, has been a PLD facilitator both in the private sector and for MoE contracts. To begin discussing what would be best for your kaiako or parent group contact elementsprogrammes@gmail.com

Special Events

Elements has been fortunate to be part of several community events, such as Selwyn District Council ‘Project Wild Thing’ (photo above), helping to have families outside enjoying public spaces. Recently we were involved in 'Open Play Street' in conjunction with BECA and Sport Canterbury. Yearly we operate the fire pit to celebrate Matariki at the Richmond Community Garden annual event. We have been part of community Teddy Bear Picnic days, and local school fairs.

On a more personal level we have also provided Birthday parties and have a range of options from Pirates, to ‘Wild Ones’ to Alice in Wonderland tea parties.

Contact elementsprogrammes@gmail.com if you would like us to be part of an event you are planning.