ECE graduate embraces the natural world

Having completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC), Indian student Bhumi Haria is thriving as an early childhood teacher in her Auckland centre.

“I absolutely love my role! I was blessed to receive a full-time job offer when I was still completing my Field Practice, as NZTC’s teaching qualifications are highly regarded.

“I am now thoroughly immersed in centre life, where we engage in many fun and exciting day-to-day activities that allow our children’s unique personalities and creative thinking to shine through.”

Interacting with the natural world is important in Bhumi’s centre.

“We are so privileged here in New Zealand to have such a beautiful environment filled with flowers, plants and insects. We love gardening with the children and teaching them about Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), as well as learning about living creatures and the food that comes from the land.”

Bhumi also enjoys celebrating a range of special occasions throughout the year with the children in her centre.

“Coming from India, it is wonderful to have opportunities to acknowledge and learn about festivities that are unique to the New Zealand culture, such as Matariki. This year, we made Māori bread and soup which we shared together, and the children created gorgeous artwork.

“New Zealand is very inclusive of other cultures too, so we also celebrate events such as the Chinese New Year, where in the past we have constructed our own lanterns with the children.”

Bhumi finds value in drawing on the learning goals and skills taught in New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, in her centre’s day-to-day activities.

“The concept of child-centred learning blended with intentional teaching particularly resonates with me. This means identifying a child’s area of interest, and then developing it through opportunities of intentional teaching, such as activities, mat time and songs.”