At BestStart Hokowhitu our Under 2’s kaiako mā support pēpi to develop a wide range of knowledge and skills that align with the Ministry of Education document Kōwhiti Whakapae.
This framework guides intentional teaching across key areas of learning in social and emotional, oral language and literacy and math.
Kaiako mā create rich social and emotional experiences that foster early whanaungatanga (relationships). Through manaakitanga, one of our centre learning priorities, kaiako role model respectful, caring interactions that support pēpi as they begin to develop social and emotional competence.
Pēpi are immersed in an environment where they have the time and space to explore independently, alongside others, and together with their peers and kaiako. Through play, they begin to recognise and express emotions using puppets, songs, books, and interactive wall displays. These experiences can be revisited throughout the day, allowing pēpi to deepen their understanding of their own feelings and the feelings of others.
As pēpi become interested in one another's play, early whanaungatanga naturally begins to develop. Kaiako intentionally nurture these whanaungatanga through responsive interactions such as one-to-one serve-and-return conversations, small-group experiences, and shared moments of play. These meaningful interactions strengthen communication, build secure whanaungatanga, and support a strong sense of belonging.
Oral language and literacy are fostered through a wide range of communication experiences that recognise both verbal and non-verbal ways of communicating. Kaiako intentionally use New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) to support early communication, giving pēpi meaningful ways to express their needs, feelings, and ideas before spoken language develops. Language is woven into everyday experiences through songs, books, storytelling, movement, and play. Kaiako enrich sensory experiences by describing what pēpi can see, hear, touch, smell, and feel, helping to build vocabulary while making meaningful connections to the world around them.
These rich interactions encourage curiosity, strengthen communication skills, and support language development. Our learning priority of kanorau – diversity, is celebrated and valued in multiple ways of communicating. By embracing different ways to communicate, languages and forms of expression, we create an inclusive environment where every pēpi feels seen, heard, and empowered to communicate in ways that are meaningful to them.
Maths concepts are intentionally guided during play by using language that supports ideas such as space, position, distance, size, and problem-solving. Giving pēpi the freedom and independence to crawl through tunnels, moving around furniture, or climb over cushions help them explore spatial awareness and understand how their tinana moves within their environment. When a toy is placed just out of reach, pēpi are supported to try different strategies, showing persistence and problem-solving. Similarly, when stacking blocks, pēpi observe what happens, adjust their approach, and experiment with ways to create taller or more stable structures.
Interactive mat times provide rich opportunities for pēpi to develop early mathematical thinking through music, movement, repetition, and play. Kaiako intentionally use familiar songs in te reo Māori alongside NZSL to create engaging, multi-sensory learning experiences. Through these experiences, pēpi develop understandings of counting, sequencing, patterns, rhythm, and prediction. Finger actions, gestures, and NZSL support one-to-one correspondence as pēpi connect numbers, actions, and objects. Repeated songs encourage pēpi to anticipate what comes next, recognise patterns, and build confidence in sharing their ideas.
Beyond mat times, kaiako intentionally support pēpi to develop mathematical thinking through everyday play and exploration. As pēpi use their senses, investigate materials, repeat actions, and test their working theories, they demonstrate their thinking through movement, gestures, early language, and manipulating objects.
Through responsive interactions and intentional teaching, kaiako nurture pēpi’s curiosity and confidence as they build the foundations of mathematical thinking through meaningful play.