Fame Arts Preschool

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Preparing for School: Building Positive Dispositions for Learning

What Does ‘School Readiness’ Really Mean?At Fame Preschool, we believe school readiness isn’t just about knowing letters or numbers - it’s about building the foundations for learning itself.We focus on developing learning dispositions - the attitudes, habits, and ways of thinking that help children approach new experiences with curiosity, confidence, and resilience.These dispositions come from a mix of relationships, play, and experiences that help children say, “I can try. I can ...

Executive Functioning in Preschoolers: Building the Brain’s Control Centre

What is Executive Functioning?Executive functioning is a group of mental skills that help children manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can reach goals.You can think of it as the “brain’s control centre.”These skills help children:Pay attentionRemember instructionsWait their turnTackle challenges calmlySwitch between tasksSolve problems creativelyFor preschoolers, executive functioning is still developing - and it grows through everyday play, routines, and relationships.Why...

Why Sleep Matters for Infants, Toddlers, and Young Children

Sleep plays a huge role in children’s growth, learning, and happiness. At Fame Preschool, we see how a good night’s rest helps children concentrate, regulate their emotions, and fully enjoy their day of play and discovery.Here’s what to know about healthy sleep and how to support it at home.Why sleep matters:Sleep is when children’s brains and bodies recharge. During sleep, children:Process new information and strengthen memoryGrow (thanks to growth hormone released during deep sleep)Reg...

A Gentle Guide to Toilet Training

Toilet training is an important milestone - and every child’s journey is different. At Fame Preschool, we take a gentle, supportive approach, helping children (and families!) feel confident and relaxed as they learn this new skill.Here’s a simple guide to spotting the signs of readiness, what’s typical, and how to support your child through the process.Signs your child might be ready:Every child develops in their own time, but you may notice these signs around ages 2-3Staying dry for longe...

Local Support Services for Families on the Hibiscus Coast

At Fame Preschool, we know that raising young children is both rewarding and challenging - and no one should have to do it alone. We’re lucky to be part of a caring Whangaparāoa and Hibiscus Coast community, with wonderful local organisations that support families in all kinds of ways.Here are just a few local resources we recommend to families in our area:Steps ForwardWebsite: www.stepsforward.co.nz Steps Forward provides practical and emotional support for families in our community. Th...

5 Fun Family Activities Around Stanmore Bay

One of the things we love most about being part of the Whangaparāoa community is how many wonderful places there are for families to explore together. Whether it’s playtime by the sea, discovering local wildlife, or enjoying a creative afternoon, Stanmore Bay offers endless ways to make family memories.Here are five of our favourite local spots to enjoy with your preschooler:Stanmore Bay BeachJust minutes from Fame Preschool, this calm, sandy beach is perfect for young children. Bring a bucke...

Preparing Your Child for Their First Day at Fame Preschool

Starting preschool is an exciting milestone - for both children and parents! At Fame Preschool, we understand that the first day can bring a mix of emotions: excitement, curiosity, and sometimes a few nerves. With a little preparation and reassurance, your child’s first experience can be calm, joyful, and full of confidence. Talk about what to expect In the days leading up to their first day, talk to your child about what preschool is like. Use positive language - tell them about the fun activ...

Why Creative Play Builds Confidence in Preschoolers

At Fame Preschool, we believe that every child is born with endless imagination - and that creativity is the key to building confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Through creative play, our preschoolers learn to explore, express themselves, and solve problems in ways that make learning fun and meaningful.What is creative play?Creative play happens whenever children use their imagination to create, pretend, and experiment - whether it’s painting, building with blocks, dressing up, or perf...