International recognition for Geraldine Kindergarten

5 June 2012

International recognition for Geraldine Kindergarten

Geraldine Kindergarten is proud to become the first early childhood education service in the world to be recognised as an International Habits of Mind Learning Community of Excellence. This prestigious award will be presented to the kindergarten by Karen Boyes, Affiliate Director of the Institute of Habits of Mind New Zealand.

A celebration of the award is being held on Monday, 11 June, 2012 at 5pm at Geraldine Kindergarten, 25 Wilson Street, Geraldine.

“We are thrilled with this honour and very proud of our accomplishment,” said Helen May, General Manager, Geraldine District Free Kindergarten Association. “This award reflects our commitment to continually striving to provide innovative, high quality early childhood education for our children, parents and our community.”

Geraldine Kindergarten was first introduced to the Habits of Minds philosophy in 2005 through Geraldine High School which was already using the framework. Habits of Mind is an approach to learning which uses a common language and enquiry to support children and adults extending their thinking and problem solving skills. The approach was developed by Professor Art Costa and Dr. Bena Kallick in the United States and has been adopted internationally in schools and workplaces.

The Geraldine Kindergarten teaching team first incorporated Habits of Mind into the kindergarten as part of an ICT professional learning programme focused on preparing children for the future. Habits of Mind has since been fully integrated into all areas of teaching and learning.

The Geraldine District Free Kindergarten Association Board of Trustees has provided funding and support for the Habits of Mind framework through professional development opportunities for kindergarten teachers and management.

Geraldine Kindergarten is part of the New Zealand Kindergartens (NZK) network. NZK kindergartens are committed to employing 100% qualified registered teachers and maintaining excellent adult:child ratios and group sizes.

For more information about kindergarten visit: http://www.nzkindergarten.org.nz/.

ENDS

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