At Beststart Blenheim Central in Rito, collage is more than an art activity—it is a pathway for children to connect with our vision of tūrangawaewae, growing confident explorers.
Collage experiences empower tamariki by valuing their choices and unique ideas, supporting their sense of whakamana.
Children are free to select materials, invent patterns, and express their thinking, building self-belief as they try new things and solve problems. We see collage supporting holistic development (kotahitanga). As children tear, cut, glue, and arrange, they strengthen fine motor skills and spatial awareness - important for writing and learning at school. Through rich conversations about their work, we encourage oral language, supporting children to explain their thinking and build vocabulary.
Family and community (whānau tangata) are woven into collage experiences as children share inspiration from home, whanau, and culture. Their artwork can reflect stories, special people, and family traditions, nurturing a true sense of belonging. Strong relationships (ngā hononga) underpin collage in Rito. Children co-create, share, and work together, respecting each other’s ideas and learning to collaborate—skills needed for a positive transition to school.
Collage helps children become creative, capable learners who feel grounded (tūrangawaewae) and connected. We celebrate every artwork as part of each child’s unique learning journey—growing confident explorers, ready for school and beyond.