In our Pīwakawaka Room, our toddlers are learning to be confident and competent learners. Our kaiako support them with self-help skills alongside their learning and development goals. Intentional teaching is implemented to promote learning through listening and following directions, creating successful experiences that guide and support our toddlers.
Painting in the toddler room becomes much more meaningful when approached with intentional teaching. Kaiako thoughtfully set up inviting spaces, introduce language such as colours, textures, and actions, and model ways to explore materials while still allowing tamariki to lead their own creativity. Through this, painting supports not only artistic expression but also communication, sensory exploration, and fine motor development. By being present and responsive, kaiako can extend learning in the moment, turning a simple painting experience into a rich opportunity for growth and discovery.
At Maich, we ensure our toddlers receive quality learning through daily experiences focused on their current interests. Intentional teaching in the Pīwakawaka Room is about being purposeful, responsive, and thoughtful in every interaction we have with our tamariki. It goes beyond simply supervising play; it is about recognising the rich learning opportunities that exist within everyday moments and using these to support each child’s development in meaningful ways.