At Best Start Abacus, we believe that learning doesn’t always happen sitting still!
Sometimes it happens when we move, sing, dance, laugh and learn together!
For us, learning through movement is about much more than simply singing a song or dancing to music. It is about creating joyful opportunities for tamariki to learn, connect and express who they are. We also enjoy learning songs in te reo Māori, English and other languages, giving tamariki opportunities to hear new words, sounds and rhythms.
Learning waiata in te reo Māori is particularly meaningful as it supports our commitment to Te Whāriki and our focus on creating an environment where te reo Māori and Māori perspectives are valued and naturally woven into everyday learning. Movement also creates wonderful opportunities for whanaungatanga. When tamariki sing and dance together, they are learning alongside and with one another. They watch their friends, copy actions, take turns, encourage each other and celebrate each other’s participation. When we sing together, we build language.
When we dance together, we build confidence. When we learn waiata in different languages, we develop an appreciation for language and culture. And when we move and learn alongside one another, we strengthen our relationships and our sense of belonging.
At BestStart Abacus, we love seeing the joy on our tamariki’s faces as they sing, dance and learn together — because sometimes the best learning happens when little bodies are moving and little minds are growing!