Author name: Leanne

Change is on the horizon for the teaching profession in Aotearoa. From 2026, early childhood education (ECE) centres and schools will begin using the updated 2026 Standards for the Teaching Profession as the foundation for teacher practice, professional growth cycles, and certification preparation. The updated standards have been developed to provide a clearer articulation of […]

The move from study into a full-time teaching role is an exciting transition for any provisional teacher. But it can feel a little overwhelming also. When studying, you are working within a structure of assignments, clear deadlines, and academic expectations. But once you graduate, you are completely immersed in a complex and fast-moving world of

“Children experience an environment where they learn through active exploration of the environment.” — Te Whāriki, 2017 From the moment tamariki begin to explore the world, they are already learning. The exciting thing about this is that every question and discovery builds their knowledge, confidence, and problem-solving skills, while building a strong learner identity. Exploration

Last month, we explored the concept of how important reciprocal communication is in early learning. It forms the foundation for strong relationships, gives the tamariki a sense of belonging, and plays a crucial role in their cognitive, social and emotional development. By fostering meaningful exchanges, we can help the tamariki develop critical thinking, creativity and

Communication is at the heart of how tamariki make sense of the world. It also allows them to connect with others around them in a variety of settings. So, it’s no wonder that the fourth strand of Te Whāriki is Mana Reo which emphasises the importance of language, symbols, and expression. It is through communication

“Children experience an environment where there are equitable opportunities for learning, irrespective of gender, ability, age, ethnicity, or background.” — Te Whāriki, 2017 Every child deserves to be seen, heard and valued. This is especially important in the ECE space – an environment that is such a big part of tamariki’s development. Te Whāriki recognises

“Children and their families feel a sense of belonging when they are welcomed and able to participate fully in the services of the early childhood setting.” — Te Whāriki, 2017 In Aotearoa’s ECE Centres, belonging isn’t just a warm and fuzzy ideal. It’s the foundation of healthy development. Without a definite sense of belonging, tamariki

“When children’s wellbeing is protected and promoted, they feel secure and confident to explore, connect, and grow.” In early childhood education, wellbeing is the foundation of everything. Without it, tamariki cannot learn, engage or thrive. That’s why Te Whāriki prioritises Mana Atua | Wellbeing as the very first strand. It recognises that the emotional and

As you well know, Te Whāriki provides a holistic framework that supports the learning and development of tamariki from their first learning moments to when they begin school. Central to the curriculum are four guiding principles and five strands. These are cleverly woven together to create a rich tapestry of learning experiences. Te Whāriki’s principles

We have previously discussed how fostering the social and emotional development of tamariki in ECE is the cornerstone of creating a thriving learning environment. You can read our first article on social and emotional development here. Because this is an intense period of learning about what emotions are and how to navigate them, there is