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Tuakana - Teina peer learning at BestStart Karaka
The tuakana-teina relationship is an integral part of Te Ao Māori (Māori world) and it provides a model for peer learning. It refers to the relationship between an older (tuakana) or more expert person, and a younger (teina) or less expert person. These roles can be reversed at any time depending on the circumstances.
This concept is what we are seeing at BestStart Karaka as our older tamariki are role modelling skills such as verbal communication, turn taking and other skills and abilities to the younger tamariki. We were lucky enough to join all the rooms together for the Christmas holidays which meant we could experience our learning experiences all together.
We had so much fun working together, creating our chocolate muffins for afternoon tea, helping clean up the room, and supporting the younger tamariki to clean themselves after Kai times. Through these learning experiences and interactions with the younger tamariki and the older children have the opportunity to develop the qualities of care, gentleness, patience & leadership.
Life is all about forming, nurturing and growing relationships at all levels and what we are seeing and supporting in the centre is a great starting point for our tamariki to build on.