AUSKOLA – APRIL SESSION

Our April Auskola Day was exciting and rich with playful learning, singing, crafts, storytelling, and bonding, especially since three new children joined our group this year. We started the morning with the wall calendar and planned the day together. We talked about the alphabet and animals and created a team chant using the first letters of our names. Then came the geese and ganders for a quick game, followed by morning tea and crafts. The kids could choose to make a lamb, a bunny, or a colorful egg. After tidying up and washing hands, the pizza arrived, which we enjoyed together on the bench-lined “gangway” in front of our new classroom.

After lunch, it was time for the playground, followed by a quiet rest during which we listened to the Easter story "Húsvéti Tojások" by Ferenc Móra. Rested and recharged, we returned to learning and talked about Hungary. We discovered that Hungary is shaped like a smile and learned that New Zealand is three times larger than Hungary. We ended the day with musical games and an egg hunt. See you in May!

Edina Kuki

At the April session, the MID children introduced themselves and shared how old they were – all independently, in Hungarian. Then we learned and practiced various action words and played charades: one person mimed the action, while the others guessed and said the correct verb.

We then talked about Easter – its origins, meanings, and traditions. The children colored small Easter-themed pictures, each with an identical pair, so they had to try and color matching pairs. Then came the "Find your pair!" game, for which we had previously translated the cards. This activity was a huge success — every child found their match, but Arlo turned out to be the fastest and most skillful.

In the afternoon, to everyone’s delight, it was time for an Easter egg hunt. The children also made small Easter baskets, which they decorated with all kinds of festive motifs and symbols. At the end of the day, we recited a well-known Hungarian Easter rhyme, and then Arlo “sprinkled” the girls – which, of course, included a bit of fun chasing around the yard.

Erika Andrell

Both teachers and students were excitedly awaiting Auckland Hungarian School’s first real teaching day of 2025. The middle group began the day by celebrating Earth Day. We placed the Earth in the solar system and learned funny facts about the planets. We worked on our beautiful home, Earth, through group work. We got to know the atlas, then the boys and girls worked on blind maps. It’s incredible how much knowledge these kids already have about the current state of the Earth!

We also had a deep discussion about how they, as children, can help protect the Earth for a better future. After pizza and free play, the boys from the middle group joined the senior boys, while the girls came over from there to our class. This year, during the afternoons, we focus on boy-girl specific activities and a couple of secret projects (for parents), which we will reveal at the end of the year.

Before our afternoon crafts, we had a massive chocolate egg hunt with the younger ones. And since it was Easter, the girls made some very cool door decorations that could also serve as wreaths.

Dóra Bán

The senior group’s April session revolved around the theme of “bridges.” After a dynamic warm-up, we learned about the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest. Following a short historical overview, we explored the topic from different angles. We tried out a "bridge" gymnastics move, and then our volunteer actor Áron Darvasi recited a poem by Ernő Szép, from which we learned that the Chain Bridge falls in love and finds shelter in the Buda tunnel.

Before lunch, we spent most of our time on an engineering challenge: divided into two teams, the children had to build a stable bridge model that could support a 1 kg weight.

The afternoon was filled with literary adventures. We recalled Hungarian folktales and stories about the fight for freedom, and then we began a playful, dramatic exploration of Ferenc Molnár’s novel The Paul Street Boys, which we will continue throughout the year. We closed the day with a spectacular marble game.

István Csata

Guitar lessons began with seven motivated and curious children. The first class was mostly about getting to know each other, but even then, it was clear how interested they were in music. Several children picked up guitars even before class began and confidently strummed the strings, so we quickly dove into learning.

It’s a great feeling to see so many kids drawn to music, and I’m honored that they trust me with their presence and dedication. I truly believe that music plays a crucial role in children’s development, and I’m delighted to be able to share my knowledge with them – in the hope that music will help make their childhood even more colorful and rich.

Csaba Tímár