A Fresh Start for Our Huhu Room
Creating Calm and Nurturing Learning Environments
At Sugartree Lane Preschool, we believe children deserve environments that support their learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Recently, we refreshed our Huhu Room, giving it a new coat of paint from The Natural Paint Co. and rethinking the colours on the walls.
This may seem like a simple change, but in early childhood education, the learning environment is often referred to as the “third teacher.” It shapes how tamariki feel, how they interact with others, and how they explore the world around them.
From Bright to Calming
Before the change, the walls of our Huhu Room were a bold yellow. While bright, it often created a very energetic atmosphere. We have now shifted to a more natural, calming colour palette, soft greys and neutrals, which provide a sense of balance and serenity.
Research and the Education Review Office’s Te Ara Poutama indicators highlight that high-quality early learning environments are:
Calm and predictable – helping children feel secure and able to focus.
Well-designed and intentional – enabling exploration without overstimulation.
Inclusive and affirming – supporting equitable opportunities for every child.
By creating a more neutral backdrop, the room can now highlight the children’s work, their play, and the natural materials we use in our curriculum. That doesn’t mean to say we don’t want to have bright and colourful moments, just that in general, our environment should be as calm as possible.
Supporting Learning Outcomes Through Environment
Te Whāriki reminds us that curriculum is not just about planned activities—it includes all experiences, activities, and events in an ECE setting. The physical environment is a key part of that.
A calmer colour palette supports self-regulation and helps tamariki manage emotions.
Neutral tones provide flexibility – whether children are deeply engaged in imaginative play, storytelling, or collaborative projects, the environment adapts to them.
The thoughtful design enhances Mana Whenua (Belonging), as tamariki feel comfortable and at home in a space that is welcoming and peaceful.
What This Means for Our Tamariki and Whānau
Our Huhu Room is already becoming a space where children can:
Play, learn, and create without distraction.
Feel safe, calm, and valued.
See their voices, stories, and learning take centre stage, rather than the background walls.
And this is only the beginning. Over the coming weeks, we will be adding soft furnishings, greenery, improved lighting, and new resources to further enrich the space. Each of these additions will deepen the sense of belonging and create an environment that is warm, inspiring, and responsive to the needs of our tamariki.
For whānau, this transformation reflects our ongoing journey of improvement and our commitment to providing the highest quality childcare in Auckland City. As kaitiaki of our centre, we see every choice—from the colours on the walls to the resources we provide, as part of our responsibility to nurture the wellbeing and learning of every child.
Why We Chose Natural Paint
We made the deliberate decision to use eco-friendly, sustainable paint to prioritise the health of our tamariki and kaiako. Natural paints are Ultra low VOC and free of all other nasty chemicals, helping to keep the air quality in our learning spaces safe and fresh. This reflects the principle of Mana Atua (Wellbeing) in Te Whāriki, which emphasises children being healthy in mind, body, and spirit. A safe, toxin-free environment supports children to feel secure and thrive.
