During mat times in the Pounamu Room (preschool), the children have been confidently reciting our centre pepeha, a practice they are becoming very familiar with.
To help strengthen the children’s connections with our local curriculum, we organised an excursion to Waikareao estuary, our local pūwaha, which is an important link for us.
The children made verbal connections to their prior learning, such as pointing out rubbish and relating it to Papatuanuku having a tummy ache—a story we’ve shared at the centre. They also talked about Rata and the cutting down of a tree for a waka, and Jess joined in by recalling pūrakau of Taurikura and the journey through Waikarereao to Karewa.
After morning tea, we explored the estuary edge at low tide and discovered holes in the sand; by staying quiet, the children were able to watch little crabs emerge from their homes. When we returned to the centre, a couple of children went straight to the sandpit. Harlen explained, “making crab holes.”This excursion highlights the children’s strengths in making connections (hanga hononga) between their experiences at the centre and the natural world around them.
Their ability to link the local pepeha and pūrakau to what they observed at the estuary strengthens their sense of belonging (Mana Whenua) and their understanding of who they are and where they come from, which aligns with Strand 2 of Te Whāriki—Belonging | Mana Whenua.
Their curiosity (mōhio) and questioning during the walk show the development of communication skills and knowledge, supporting Te Whāriki, making links between rubbish and Papatuanuku’s tummy ache shows a growing sense of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for the environment.
Drawing on pūrakau such as Taurikura demonstrates rich cultural learning and an inclusive approach to knowledge that reflects the values of our centre and the principles embedded in Te Whāriki and Kōwhiti Whakapae.