“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
At Treetops, we believe in the power of books to inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and build a love for learning. That’s why our annual Book Week is such a highlight! This cherished tradition, celebrated across our Auckland childcare centers located in Botany and Pukekohe, is a time for tamariki (children) to dive into the magic of storytelling.
During Book Week, tamariki are encouraged to bring in their favorite books to share with their friends and kaiako (teachers). In turn, our kaiako plan enriching activities that bring these stories to life. This fun-filled week not only enhances literacy skills but also nurtures a deeper appreciation for the stories tamariki love.
Exploring “Dear Zoo” in the Kea Room
In the Kea Room (preschool), one of our all-time favorite books is “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell. Since many of our tamariki have a strong interest in animals, this beloved story provided the perfect foundation for creative, hands-on learning experiences.
Here’s how we turned the pages of “Dear Zoo” into a world of exploration:
Tapping Into Our Imagination
Our tamariki stepped into the story by pretending to be the animals from the book! As the kaiako read the story, each child took a turn acting out the role of a different animal. To make it even more immersive, we created our own animal masks, adding an extra layer of excitement to the activity.
Painting Our Favorite Animals
For the next activity, tamariki chose their favorite animals from the book and painted pictures inspired by them. To guide their creativity, we placed a copy of “Dear Zoo” on the table alongside plastic animal figurines. This hands-on setup encouraged tamariki to observe and explore the animals’ colors, shapes, and features.
Engaging In Conversation
Beyond painting, tamariki also had the chance to discuss where they’ve seen these animals or imagine where they might live, parking wonderful conversations and theories. This open-ended approach allowed children to dive deeper into their interests and express their unique perspectives.
Bringing the Magic of Books to Life At Treetops Childcare Centres
At Treetops, we embrace the magic of books every day, creating meaningful opportunities for tamariki to connect with stories and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Botany Town Centre: Our Botany Town Centre childcare location takes advantage of its prime spot in the shopping center by making regular visits to the local library. These outings allow tamariki to explore a wide variety of books, develop library skills, and discover new favorites to spark their imaginations.
Botany Junction: At our Botany Junction childcare centre, we keep the joy of reading alive by incorporating daily storytime sessions. Whether it’s a beloved classic or an exciting new tale, tamariki are immersed in the wonderful world of books every single day.
Pukekohe: Our Pukekohe childcare center participates in the Scholastic Book Club, a program cherished by both parents and tamariki. This initiative not only encourages reading at home but also gives families the chance to build their personal book collections, further extending the magic of books beyond the classroom.
Across all our Auckland childcare centers we believe in the transformative power of literature. From daily storytimes to special events like Book Week, every moment spent with a book opens the door to creativity, learning, and exploration.
At Treetops, books are more than just stories—they’re stepping stones to endless possibilities.
The Role of Literature in Early Learning
We understand how important literature is for children’s development. By delving deeper into favorite books like “Dear Zoo,” tamariki can explore their ideas, form connections, and expand their understanding of the world around them.
These activities not only make reading fun and interactive but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. Whether it’s through acting, painting, or storytelling, tamariki are constantly discovering the wonders of books.
We’re proud to create learning experiences that inspire tamariki to dream big, think creatively, and develop a lifelong love for reading.
What’s your favorite childhood book, and how has it inspired you?
