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Learning about the cultures that make up our centre
At BestStart Kenderdine, our tamariki and kaiako are passionate about learning each other’s cultures and languages. In the month of July we celebrated Matariki- the Maori New Year. Children were involved in intentional teaching experiences that included art and craft (toi me te mahi toi) that enhanced children’s creativity and imaginative skills. Children had an opportunity to develop an awareness of different art and design such as creating koru patterns, weaving with Harakeke leaves and paper as well as designing patterns using natural resources discovered from Papatuanuku- the mother earth.
Our tamariki also had an opportunity to learn the Matariki star song (waiata) and do the Macarena action alongside it. According to Te Whariki understanding and getting familiarity with variety of music, song and dance amuses, delights, informs and excites children and thus it creates an awareness of a particular cultural occasions.
Stories (korero) relating to Seven sisters of Matariki and retelling it through pretend plays extends our tamariki’s knowledge about why we celebrate Matariki and its significance.
Dress-up day (whakakakahu) and preparing of kai ended our Matariki celebration for this year. Children were able to recognise the different fruits and vegetables that is being gifted by our Papatuanuku. Children learnt the names of fruits and vegetables in te reo Maori while preparing vegetable roast and kebabs. While visiting the Community garden our tamariki once again continued to learn about connecting with nature, with our community and the people in it. Children learnt about being responsible and caring for people, places and things. We learn about the concept of ‘kaitiakitanga’ through taking care of our garden. Children develop working theory that during winter season “plants get cold because they have no blanket and they’re not people” , while there are plants that are strong and able to withstand the chills such as beetroots, silver beets, lettuce, coriander and cabbage.