Today our tamariki decided to do a spontaneous mat time.
They collected some song sheets and sat up on the couch. They held up the song cards and together started singing “Haere mai tamariki” which is the song we use every day to bring all the tamariki inside to sit on the mat.
Some of our friends quickly responded and promptly sat down. Others came over and realised it wasn’t mat time and wandered off again. This prompted the tamariki to begin the song over again as they tried to rally together a bigger audience.
It's wonderful how well the tamariki know the rituals and routines of the Whare Taonga room, and that they have the confidence to play an active part in the running of the program and take on different roles. They praised their friends for sitting down, showing an understanding of what is acceptable behaviour at mat time.
They also showed an awareness that our mat time leaders need to hold up the song sheet and be good role models by singing so that everyone can join in with them.
Ka pai tamariki for being confident and initiating your own mahi! Belonging/Mana Whenua: The tamariki is demonstrating an ability to play an active part in the running of the program and take on different roles.