Manaakitanga in Action
Supporting tamariki to learn the values of generosity, kindness and aroha are important to us at Beststart Riverbend and we support this in our daily curriculum through a range of learning experiences and rituals.
This week we had the opportunity to begin our preparation for Matariki by planting pumpkin seeds – first through tamariki showing generosity by helping kaiako to prepare the terrarium that the seeds would be planted in. There was lots of conversation and idea sharing as tamariki came up with ways we could use the pumpkins once they grew BIG!!
As part of sea week, we explored different shapes, sizes and textures of shells from Te Moana Pacific, using them to create a piece or artwork for our centre entryway. During this mahi, it was heartening to see tamariki demonstrating kindness by helping one another and sharing resources as they glued the shells to the driftwood.
Celebrating birthdays and other milestones alongside tamariki and whānau supports belonging and trust within our centre community. Seeing the beautiful friendships our tamariki are building through aroha, shared learning and understanding nurtures our centre vision for manaakitanga being at the heart of learning.