As our Kia Tīmata Pai – Engage PLD journey comes to a close, we were proud to welcome our whānau into the centre for an evening of connection, shared learning, and meaningful kōrero. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout, with whānau actively engaging in group activities, conversations, and reflections. The evening wasn’t just about sharing what we’ve learned — it was about experiencing it together.
A key focus of our PLD, and a strong thread throughout the evening, was deepening our understanding of how tamariki learn through the interconnected areas of feeling, thinking, and doing. We explored how children’s emotions (emotional), their understanding and sense-making (cognitive), and their actions (behavioural) are all closely linked. Tamariki behaviour is often a reflection of how they are feeling, and their thinking is still developing as they learn to navigate social situations and challenges.
As kaiako, we intentionally respond by supporting all three areas at once, helping tamariki to feel safe and understood, guiding their thinking, and supporting positive ways to express themselves through their actions.
As part of the evening, we explored a range of games and experiences that support these areas of development. Through group activities, whānau were able to engage in simple and meaningful practices such as breathing techniques to support emotional regulation, and puzzles that encouraged thinking, problem-solving, and persistence. These hands-on experiences highlighted the many different ways we can support tamariki, strengthening how they feel, how they think, and how they act in everyday situations.
Throughout the evening, we also reflected on the tools and approaches we already have embedded within our centre. It was reaffirmed that resources such as The Colour Monster and Have You Filled a Bucket Today? are powerful and effective ways to support tamariki in building emotional understanding, empathy, and positive social behaviours. These familiar resources continue to strengthen our shared language around feelings, relationships, and kindness, both within the centre and at home.
Whānau engaged in activities that mirrored this learning — sharing perspectives, exploring emotions, and discussing ways we can support tamariki through big feelings and social situations. These experiences highlighted the importance of consistency between home and centre, and the value of working together to support children holistically.
Throughout the evening, we shared how this way of thinking is woven into our everyday teaching practice. Whether we are supporting tamariki through moments of challenge, guiding peer interactions, or celebrating acts of kindness, we are intentionally responding to their feelings, shaping their thinking, and supporting their actions in ways that uphold manaakitanga and foster a strong sense of belonging.
This learning aligns closely with Te Whāriki, particularly within Mana Atua, as tamariki develop emotional wellbeing; Mana Tangata, as they learn to build relationships and show care for others; and Mana Reo, as they grow their ability to express thoughts and feelings.
What stood out most was the shared understanding between kaiako and whānau. When we work together with a common language and approach, we create consistency for tamariki. This strengthens their sense of security and supports them to grow as confident, capable learners.
We are so grateful to everyone who came along, contributed, and embraced the learning alongside us. This journey doesn’t end here; it continues in the everyday moments we share with tamariki. Because at the heart of it all, when we support how children feel, think, and act, we are supporting them to thrive.
So we leave you with a simple reflection: Have you filled a bucket today?