At our ECE centre, creativity is more than just fun—it’s a gateway to early literacy. Through scribbles, textures, and conversations, tamariki develop key skills that support writing, communication, and their growing understanding of the world.
This month at our ECE centre, we’ve been immersed in the exciting world of early literacy through art and craft. Our tamariki have been engaged in a range of creative experiences—from scribbling and mark-making to constructing vibrant collages using recycled materials, feathers, fabric, and paint.
These moments of exploration are more than just fun—they’re foundational to children's literacy development. When children scribble, draw, and experiment with different textures, they are developing the fine motor skills and symbolic thinking that underpin early writing.
For example, a child’s swirling lines or zig-zag marks may appear as playful doodles, but they are often early attempts at representing meaning, stories, or letters. It’s a sign that tamariki are beginning to understand that marks can carry messages.
Creating collages and combining materials supports language development, too, as children discuss colours, textures, and ideas with kaiako and peers. These interactions strengthen vocabulary and communication skills in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Our practice is deeply grounded in Te Whāriki, especially the strands of Communication | Mana Reo and Exploration | Mana Aotūroa. We support children to express themselves through a variety of media and to make sense of their world by experimenting, observing, and sharing their thoughts.
Through these creative activities, tamariki are not just making art—they are becoming confident communicators and active participants in their learning journey. We’re proud to nurture their voices, one scribble and collage at a time.