Learning through play, from a Māori perspective, is a sacred journey—one that nurtures the mauri (life force) of every child. Play is more than fun or activity; it is the natural rhythm of discovery through which tamariki come to know themselves, their people, and their world.
In the spirit of ako, learning through play is a shared experience, with tamariki, kaiako, and whānau growing together, each giving and receiving knowledge with love and respect.
When tamariki play, they express their mana—their strength, creativity, and potential. They weave their stories into the world, guided by whakapapa and the wisdom of their ancestors. Through building, imagining, laughing, and exploring, they learn to trust their instincts, care for others, and stand tall in who they are.
Play connects them to whenua and wairua, reminding us that learning is not confined to walls but lives in every breath of nature and every heartbeat of connection.
Play is not separate from learning; it is ako in its purest form: alive, joyful, and deeply human. It honours the child’s spirit, uplifts their mana, and reminds us that every moment of play is a step on the lifelong pathway of ako, belonging, and love.