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Manaakitanga in our Tui Room
A big focus in our Tui room (under 2-year-olds) has been manaakitanga. Manaakitanga is the Maori concept of showing hospitality, respect, generosity, kindness, and caring for others. We have a few Individual Learning plans focusing on the well-being strand in Te Whaariki. We ensure we are providing an environment where everyone’s well-being is being nurtured and, over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of managing themselves and expressing their feelings and needs (Te Whaariki).
Kaiako has been sharing korero (conversations) with tamariki about feelings and emotions and providing strategies to use when different feelings arise. Tamariki is very involved in care moments and Kaiako constantly models the kind and caring ways we look after each other. Our tuakana (older/more experienced) are taking care of our younger pepi or teina (younger/less experienced), bringing them toys and making sure they are well looked after. We have seen some great tuakana-teina relationships evolve, the older tamariki are teaching the pepi while also learning from the pepi on how to be gentle and aware of their surroundings.
Tamariki is being kind to their e hoa (friends) and supporting them through hard moments, through cuddles and inviting them to play. Kaiako role model consent and asking before we do anything. We want tamariki to know, at times someone might not want a cuddle or physical affection and it is important that we respect their boundaries. Tamariki has created a ritual where they give each other high-5s or cuddles before they leave for the day. The Tui room at BestStart Great North Road is a very special place and you will feel the Manaakitanga as soon as you step foot through our doors.