Our Waitā tamariki have been captivated by colourful organza materials, exploring movement, light, and texture. Through dress-ups, tossing, and shared play, they develop curiosity, creativity, communication, and a strong sense of belonging in our centre.
In the Waitā Room, we recently purchased colourful organza material, which our tamariki absolutely love. Since then, they have been curiously exploring the beauty and wonder of the fabrics.
The bright, shiny materials instantly caught their eyes as they waved, touched, and twirled them around. The soft textures and glowing colours created a sense of magic and excitement in the room. As sunlight streamed through the windows, tamariki noticed how the light made the colours shine and sparkle.
Some children used the organza for dress-ups, wrapping it around themselves or their friends, while others enjoyed watching it float down as they tossed it high. These moments of exploration reflect the Exploration | Mana Aotūroa strand of Te Whāriki (MoE, 2017), as tamariki investigate and make sense of the world through sensory play.
Their curiosity and discovery are nurtured as they experiment with light, colour, and movement. This sensory experience supports toddlers’ learning and development in many ways:
Exploration | Mana Aotūroa: By touching, waving, and watching the organza move, tamariki learn about cause and effect, textures, and patterns. They develop thinking and problem-solving skills as they explore.
Communication | Mana Reo: Tamariki express their thoughts and feelings through words, gestures, and laughter, describing what they see — “blue,” “sparkly,” “soft” — while listening to each other’s discoveries.
Contribution | Mana Tangata: Playing together encourages sharing, taking turns, and including others. These social moments foster empathy and understanding that everyone’s ideas matter.
Belonging | Mana Whenua: Exploring side by side, tamariki show joy, confidence, and connection. This shared experience helps them feel secure and valued in our Waitā whānau, where every child’s curiosity and creativity are celebrated.