Our pēpi have been exploring with great joy the magical blue gloop made from cornflour and water today!
This sensory play offers endless opportunities for curiosity as our tamariki discover how the gloop feels solid one moment, and then runs smoothly through their fingers the next.
The concentration, and wide eyed wonder reflect the heart of our nursery values - creating an unhurried, peaceful environment where tamariki can explore at their own pace. Through this messy, playful learning, we see manaakitanga in action as pēpi share space and resources with one another. The slow rhythm of our routines and rituals allows each child to engage deeply, strengthening their sense of whanaungatanga (connection and belonging).
We honour the principles of kaupapa Māori, recognising every tamaiti as capable, confident, and curious. Curious enough to all turn into little blue Smurfs!! This kind of ako (learning together) fosters not only sensory development but also confidence, creativity, and joy. Valuing these small yet meaningful experiences, upholds rangatiratanga (agency and independence), giving pēpi the freedom to lead their own learning.
Messy play with gloop may seem simple, but for our tamariki it is a pathway to wonder, growth, and connection within a calm and nurturing environment.