WHAT WE TEACH

At Little Cubs Early Learning Centre, we believe the early years are the most powerful time in your child’s life. These are the years when they learn how to think, how to relate to others, and how to see themselves as capable, curious learners. Our Thrive by Five curriculum is all about helping tamariki build strong foundations — not just for school, but for life.

It’s about growing the whole child — heart, mind, and body.
Our Thrive by Five programme supports every aspect of your child’s development:

• Social and emotional: building confidence, empathy, and friendships
• Cognitive and language: developing focus, curiosity, and early literacy
• Physical: encouraging active, healthy play and self-care skills
• Creative and imaginative: inspiring expression through music, art, and storytelling

We see every moment as a learning opportunity — from making playdough together to discovering bugs in the garden. Our kaiako (qualified teachers) create experiences that help children grow their independence, problem-solving, and resilience in fun, meaningful ways.

We know many parents want to make sure their child is “school-ready,” and that’s a big part of what we do. But school readiness at Little Cubs goes beyond knowing letters and numbers — it’s about helping children:

• Feel confident to try new things
• Listen, concentrate, and express themselves clearly
• Work and play well with others
• Manage their emotions and solve small challenges on their own
• Develop the joy and curiosity that makes them want to learn

Our Thrive by Five approach is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum, and shaped by the latest research on how young children learn best — through play, relationships, and real-world experiences.

At Little Cubs, play is our classroom.
When your child is busy building a tower, they’re learning about balance, patience, and persistence. When they’re playing shop, they’re developing early maths, communication, and social understanding. And when they’re reading a story with their teacher, they’re not just learning new words — they’re building focus, memory, and imagination.

Our kaiako know how to make these moments matter. They gently guide, extend, and encourage each child’s interests so that learning feels natural, joyful, and full of purpose.

We believe every child should feel they belong — that they are seen, heard, and valued for who they are.
Our Thrive by Five curriculum embraces New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and celebrates the diverse cultures of our Little Cubs whānau. You’ll hear te reo Māori and see NZ Sign Language woven naturally through our day, and see your child learning respect for others, for nature, and for themselves.

We know parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why we build strong partnerships with families — sharing stories, photos, and progress updates, and making sure you always feel connected to your child’s day. Together, we can help your child thrive — confident, curious, and ready for their next big adventure at school.

Come and experience the warmth and wonder of Little Cubs for yourself.

Book a visit, meet our team, and see how our nurturing environment helps your child grow into their best self.

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