kidsconnect programmes (Terms 1 - 4)

What we offer:

Please note that during 2024, we will not be offering KidsConnect programmes.

Our KidsConnect programmes teach children how to form positive relationships with others and to develop their social-emotional skills in creative and exciting play-based settings with their peers. We operate KidsConnect within schools in the Christchurch South area by arrangement. At this stage, we are only accepting enquiries from schools and groups. If you are a school or group, please get in touch with us here.

School Based Social Skills Groups for Children

Photographer, Corey Blackburn. Copyright University of Canterbury 2019. Used with permission.

KidsConnect Group Programmes

We currently offer four different programmes - Air/Hau, Fire/Ahi, Earth/Whenua, and Water/Kātao to cater for the different needs and preferences of each child in the group. Please click on any of these images to discover which group you think would be a good fit for your child.

Social Skills Groups

air/hau

Blended Group

Socio-Emotional Groups

Fire/Ahi

High Energy

Kids Educational Groups

earth/ whenua

Calm and Grounded

Mindfulness Groups

water/

kātao

Transition from Primary to Secondary School (Terms 3 & 4)

How we work

Our groups use a combination of the following elements to create interactive, dynamic, and engaging programmes that promote social-emotional learning and connection with others:

School Based Social Skills Groups for Children

Some of the equipment we use in our groups

  • Drumming and percussion (djembes, cajons, bongos, cabasas, etc.)

  • Drama, dance, and movement improvisation games

  • Yoga, mindfulness, and breathing techniques

  • Affirmations and self-reflection aimed at positive self-discovery

  • Arts and Crafts (e.g., talking sticks, beading, drawing, and painting)

Please Note: While we do offer psychological services to children, these groups are not counselling sessions. If you are interested in a therapy session for yourself or your family, please visit our Child and Family Psychology, Adolescent Psychotherapy, or Adult Psychotherapy pages to find out more or Contact Us to make an enquiry.

For more information about our services, click here.

Programme Details:

  • KidsConnect is for students aged between 9 -13 years old.

  • There are no more than six students per group.

  • The programme runs for eight weeks in total during the school term.

  • Sessions occur once per week and last for 50 minutes.

  • All sessions occur on school grounds and are run by either Corrina and/or Lee.

Enquiries are made through our website and then times and dates are arranged with the school.

students from our previous groups have said:

  • “I get to be myself and share my opinions”.

  • “I feel valued, accepted and part of the group”.

  • “I get to try things that are outside of my comfort zone”.

  • “This is my favourite day of the week”.

  • “I feel happy and it sets me up for a good day at school”.

  • “Afterwards, I feel relaxed, calm, and can concentrate on my schoolwork”.

COVID-19 Response

In response to the Co-Vid-19 pandemic, we have created a range of free online content (YouTube) for families and schools to access at home. Our channel is KidsConnect NZ on YouTube.

The video below contains some cool tips on how to stay connected and have fun while you’re learning in lockdown. We created these tips with reference to the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing Best Practice Guide’ from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.