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The Polkadots Story

What happens when four young mothers, with a passion for singing and dancing, want to make learning for their preschoolers a really fun but constructive experience? They might go looking everywhere for resources or, in the case of The Polkadots, they’ll start writing their own songs, creating their own choreography, writing their own books and designing lesson plans . . . until, one day, the Polkadots Learning Program and music becomes a reality and The Polkadots become favourite entertainers for young children!

Polkadots creator, Carly Tata, graduated from the Auckland College of Education with a degree in Early Childhood Education before working in Auckland centres and overseas, as a supervisor and in professional development. After returning to New Zealand and with the support of her sister, Dionne Shaw, sister-in-law, Desiree Reid and lifelong friend, Sarah Midgley, she began to realise a long-time goal of developing an entertaining educational environment that encouraged parents as the ‘first teachers’ of their children.

Carly began to create lessons and storybook concepts and the girls then wrote song lyrics that fit with the stories. Dionne discovered a real ability to compose tunes and the four girls, with a natural ability to harmonise, were soon composing several songs a week. Everything they composed they tried first on their own preschoolers. If the little ones enjoyed the music and started singing and dancing straight away, their mothers knew they had a song worth developing.

So, with a collection of new songs and a truckload of enthusiasm, the girls decided to hold their first public concert . . . and the response was quite overwhelming. Immediate television coverage followed by newspaper articles soon had The Polkadots firmly tabbed as “New Zealand’s answer to The Wiggles”! With the release of their first CD ‘Rhythmical Roots’ they began to get even more positive feedback from parents:

“A New Zealand based children's entertainment phenomena is long overdue and you (The Polkadots) have the X factor that deserves to succeed. Beautiful voices, wonderful energy and a real connection with young children.”

“The Polkadots group is fantastic. Their music is creative and fun as well as educational. My daughter loves their music and asks for it every day!”

“Thank you so much for the smile you have put on our children's faces.”

The girls are continuing to work hard producing more music and educational resources and enjoying the satisfaction of providing quality educational entertainment “By the Mums for the Mums”. They are especially looking forward to the release of their new Christmas CD with 10 original songs (and a few fun remixes) to be presented at a special “Christmas with the Polkadots” Concert on Saturday, November 21^st.

Whether it’s ‘Rhythmical Roots’, ‘Body Bop’, ‘Science Seekers’, ‘Math Magic’ or a “Creative Christmas’, ‘The Polkadots’ special brand of entertainment is providing a really fun and informative learning journey for families both here in New Zealand and overseas.

'Polkadots' is primarily an educational organisation committed to providing enjoyable and effective learning programs and materials for preschoolers and parents.

Our Philosophy

The Polkadots learning philosophy proposes that the first five years of a child's life is the most receptive and crucial period in their learning development. We recognise parents as the 'first teachers' of their children and the home environment as one of the most effective places to learn. and aim to provide a foundation learning program that will help parents and children to learn to love learning together.

Polkadots 6 Point Philosophy

Effective learning is best achieved when:

it is enjoyable and fun

Children learn best when they are relaxed and happy. When they are having a good time and enjoying themselves, they are in the right state of mind to be open to new concepts and learning becomes fun and effortless.

it is taken beyond surface learning

A child's ability to learn and absorb is often underestimated. By challenging their thinking, children will develop the ability to look beyond the surface details (the obvious) and develop an in-depth knowledge of their world that makes their learning relevant and exciting.

it focuses on a child's individual strengths and interests

When a child's imagination is captured and their mind is engaged, they want to learn and their increased interest enables them to open up to the acquisition of new skills. Then, when they feel success in learning, their interest and confidence is boosted and they are more likely to try new challenges.

the home functions as an educational environment

Children are naturally sensitive to their environment. When they feel comfortable in a familiar situation, their senses are able to focus on learning rather than trying to establish new connections. Children find it difficult to learn when they are feeling insecure or unsafe.

children and parents are engaged together

Parents know and love their children better than any one else. They know their strengths and their weaknesses and they care the most about what their child learns and experiences. Young children, in return, are eager to please their parents and look upon them as both role models and the source of learning. By engaging in active, directed learning together, the relationship can be productive for both child and parent and build a strong mutual respect.

children collaborate and interact with others

Children naturally relate to people of the same age and enjoy collaborating in investigating new challenges together. By interacting with other children and their parents, they are able to absorb ideas, test their thoughts and find reinforcement.

"Children will do amazing things, if they are given amazing things to do".

Polkadots provides you with challenging ideas and step by step directions on how to help your child to do amazing things.