Sugartree Stories
Latest News & Updates
Growing Brains Don’t Need Pressure… They Need Presence
Understanding developmental milestones isn’t about comparison, it’s about connection. Learn from Nathan Wallis and NZ early childhood research why presence, not pressure, builds strong, confident brains.
A Fresh Start for Our Huhu Room
✨ At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we’ve given our Huhu Room a fresh new look with natural, eco-friendly paint and calming colours. This is just the first step, soon we’ll be adding soft furnishings, plants, lighting, and new resources to create an even warmer, more inspiring space for our tamariki. Every change reflects our commitment to high-quality childcare in Auckland City, where the environment itself supports children’s wellbeing, learning, and sense of belonging. 🌱
Growing Confident Learners: Our Transition to School Programme
At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we know starting school is a big milestone. That’s why our Centre Manager, Seon, has created a special Transition to School Programme – filled with group games, tasks, and activities – to help tamariki build confidence, friendships, and key skills. Rooted in Te Whāriki and supported by whānau, our programme ensures children step into school eager, capable, and ready to thrive.
Giving Back at Sugartree Lane
At Sugartree Lane, kindness is one of our core values. This year we’ve committed to supporting Starship Children’s Hospital with a monthly donation and contributed to the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day. These causes mean a lot to us, and giving back is one way we can show our tamariki that small acts of generosity make a big difference.
“Wings of Wonder: The Puriri Moth’s Story on Our Walls”
At Sugartree Lane Preschool in Auckland City, our tamariki helped create a magical mural with artist FLOX and the Natural Paint Co., celebrating the life cycle of the Puriri moth. With stencils, eco-friendly paints, and curious eyes watching, the mural blossomed into a storybook on our walls, complete with a wētā, a monarch butterfly, and a mokarekare moth, chosen by the children themselves. A joyful reminder that learning at our daycare in Auckland is full of creativity, wonder, and connection to nature.
Colour, Creativity, and Community: Highlights from Our Paint & Play Day
On Sunday, Sugartree Lane Preschool transformed into a vibrant, sensory-rich art studio for their Paint & Play event hosted by ‘The Creative Rume’.
Toddlers and older kids (including adults) enjoyed a messy play morning, including chalk drawing, ceramic painting, felt-tip pen drawing, watercolour, stencils with paint and roller paint fun! Along with beautiful food, delicious coffee from ‘The Coffee Store” and face painting by Rainbow Rascals.
“Puppets, Please!”: How Pretend Play Teaches for Real!
At Sugartree Lane we treasure every moment a child’s eyes widen in wonder. Puppets are simple props, yet they open grand stages where language, empathy, and curiosity dance together. Next time you see a tiny hand wiggle a felt character across the mat, remember you are looking at much more than play. You are watching learning take flight.
Playdough Play and Recipes
Playdough at Sugartree Lane Preschool sparks creativity, fine motor skills, and sensory learning. Our Auckland childcare centre encourages tamariki to explore textures, shapes, and imagination through hands-on play. A trusted daycare near you, we use simple, engaging activities like playdough to build confidence and joyful learning every day.
"Petals, Pebbles, and Play: Art That Doesn't Last (But Leaves a Mark)"
"Toddlers creating colorful paper crafts at Sugartree Lane Preschool, a nurturing early childhood centre in Auckland CBD offering quality childcare, creative play-based learning, and a warm, diverse environment for children aged 6 months to 5 years."
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Creative & Educational Matariki Activities to try:
Crafting: Make Matariki crafts like paper kites, star decorations, or even a collage with recycled materials. Create a Matariki display by cutting out stars, moons, and other symbols of water, reflecting the theme of the year.
Storytelling: Read or listen to Matariki stories with children, learning about the cultural significance of the event.
MUSIC MONDAYS
At SugarTree Lane Preschool, we believe in the power of music as a vital component of child development. Our experienced teachers incorporate music into daily activities, creating a nurturing environment that enhances learning through rhythm and melody. We celebrate inclusivity, ensuring every child engages with music in a way that resonates with their unique learning style. Additionally, our focus on nutrition supports cognitive function, allowing children to thrive both academically and emotionally. By fostering a love for music, we prepare our students for future successes in every facet of their lives.
“Early Learning Matters: A Welcome from Sugartree Lane Preschool”
Sugartree Lane Preschool is more than a childcare centre. It’s a place where tiny humans are respected, supported, and celebrated. Where creativity is encouraged, kindness is modelled, and the big feelings of little people are handled with care. We know how much trust it takes to hand your child over each morning, and we don’t take that lightly.