My son, Carter, goes to Chelsea House Early Childhood Centre in Raumati, and this week I visited my son’s centre to listen to him and his peers singing Christmas carols. I should have hidden from view of my son, as he wanted to spend his time with me instead of participating. My son is only three, so being strategic I pretended to go to the toilet so that I could watch out of his sight.

My son’s class teachers from room 5, Trish, Tracey and Charlotte and his class peers performed three songs:

• Twinkle Little Star
• I’m a Christmas Tree and
• In the Jungle.

His teachers Trish and Tracey played ukuleles and Charlotte supported the kids with encouragement and actions. They all did a super job and all parents who turned up to watch thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to see the ukulele being used.

The use of ukuleles being used by Chelsea House staff came about through staff interest in learning to play. So earlier this year staff were provided lessons by Jeff Gardiner, organised by Yvonne the Chelsea House Centre Director. I was lucky enough to be invited to come and watch a staff performance at the conclusion of their lessons. It was very good with a wide range of songs played.

This is just another example of kids being exposed to the wonderful instrument that is the ukulele.