In this article we’ll look at the core elements of New Zealand’s early learning framework, Te Whāriki.
Te Whāriki Meaning
“Te Whāriki” is the name of the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand. The term “whāriki” in Māori translates to “woven mat” and this name was chosen to symbolize the weaving together of a curriculum tailored for each child. The curriculum is based on principles and strands that serve as the foundation for learning and development. Just as a woven mat is crafted with care, the curriculum is designed to be woven together by educators in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and the community to create a unique learning experience tailored to each child’s needs.
Te Whāriki Pronunciation
“Te Whāriki” is pronounced as:
Te: as in “teh” (similar to the “te” in “technical”)
Whāriki:
Whā: as “faa” (the “wh” in many Māori words is pronounced as an “f”, and the “ā” is a long “a” sound)
riki: as “ree-kee”
So, when said together, it sounds like “teh faa-ree-kee”.
However, it’s important to note that pronunciation can vary based on regional dialects in New Zealand. If you’re aiming for accuracy, it’s always a good idea to listen to native speakers or consult pronunciation guides.
Te Whāriki History
Te Whāriki is the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand. The curriculum has undergone updates to better reflect the evolving early learning contexts and the learning aspirations of children and their whānau (extended families). The updated Te Whāriki includes two documents: “Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum” and “Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo”. Both documents share a common framework but describe alternative curriculum pathways of equal status.
The update process involved early learning academics and practitioners from various contexts. The original writers of Te Whāriki and the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust assisted with the update. The primary aim was to provide a clearer focus on the most crucial aspects of early learning, enabling services to determine local priorities and design high-quality learning programs in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and whānau for the youngest learners.
Consultation on the updated Te Whāriki took place in November and December of 2016. Feedback from this consultation was analyzed and incorporated into the final changes to the curriculum.
It’s worth noting that Te Whāriki has been a significant part of New Zealand’s early childhood education landscape, guiding educators, teachers, and kaiako in creating a holistic and inclusive learning environment for children.
Te Whāriki Curriculum
Te Whāriki is the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand, designed to guide educators, teachers, and kaiako in early learning settings. Here’s a summary of its key components:
Vision and Partnership: Te Whāriki envisions educators (kaiako) working in collaboration with parents, caregivers, whānau (extended family), and communities. The aim is to empower children as lifelong learners, ensuring they experience a curriculum in their early years that sets them on a path to becoming confident and competent learners.
Framework of Principles and Strands:
Principles: These are foundational to curriculum decision-making and guide every aspect of pedagogy and practice.
Strands: These represent five areas of learning and development. The focus is on aiding children in developing the capabilities they need to thrive as learners.
Customization: Each early learning setting takes the principles and strands provided by Te Whāriki and, in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and whānau, uses them to ‘weave’ a curriculum that is uniquely tailored for their children.
Online Support: The curriculum is bolstered by an online portal, “Te Whāriki Online”, which offers implementation guidance, practice examples, and resources.
Updated Version: The updated Te Whāriki better mirrors today’s early learning contexts and the learning aspirations of children and their whānau. It comprises two documents: “Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum” and “Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo”. Both documents share a common framework but describe alternative curriculum pathways of equal status.
Professional Development: There are various professional learning and development opportunities, workshops, and webinars available to support the effective implementation of Te Whāriki.
In essence, Te Whāriki is a dynamic and inclusive curriculum that emphasizes partnership with families and communities, providing a holistic approach to early childhood education in New Zealand.
Te Whāriki Learning Outcomes & Goals
Te Whāriki is structured around a set of principles and strands that guide the curriculum’s implementation. These principles and strands are foundational to the learning outcomes and goals of the curriculum.
Principles: These are the foundational elements of curriculum decision-making and guide every aspect of pedagogy and practice. The principles encompass:
Empowerment (Whakamana): The curriculum empowers the child to learn and grow.
Holistic Development (Kotahitanga): The curriculum reflects the holistic way children learn and grow.
Family and Community (Whānau Tangata): The wider world of family and community is an integral part of the early childhood curriculum.
Relationships (Ngā Hononga): Children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places, and things.
Strands: These represent five areas of learning and development, focusing on supporting children to develop the capabilities they need as confident and competent learners. The strands are:
Well-being (Mana Atua): The health and well-being of the child are protected and nurtured.
Belonging (Mana Whenua): Children and their families feel a sense of belonging.
Contribution (Mana Tangata): Opportunities for learning are equitable, and each child’s contribution is valued.
Communication (Mana Reo): The languages and symbols of their own and other cultures are promoted and protected.
Exploration (Mana Aotūroa): The child learns through active exploration of the environment.
Each early learning setting in New Zealand takes these principles and strands and, in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and whānau, uses them to ‘weave’ a curriculum that is uniquely tailored for their children. The goal is to ensure that children experience a curriculum in their early years that empowers them as lifelong learners, setting them on a path to becoming confident and competent individuals.
Te Whāriki Holistic Approach
Taking a holistic approach to Te Whāriki involves understanding and implementing the curriculum in a way that considers the whole child, their environment, and the interconnectedness of their experiences, rather than focusing on isolated skills or knowledge areas. Here’s how you can take a holistic approach to Te Whāriki:
Understand the Principles: Te Whāriki is built on foundational principles that guide every aspect of pedagogy and practice. These principles are:
Empowerment (Whakamana): Empower children to learn and grow.
Holistic Development (Kotahitanga): Recognize that children learn and grow in a holistic manner, where all aspects of their development are interconnected.
Family and Community (Whānau Tangata): Engage the wider world of family and community as an integral part of the early childhood curriculum.
Relationships (Ngā Hononga): Foster responsive and reciprocal relationships with people, places, and things.
Engage with the Strands: The curriculum has five strands that represent areas of learning and development. These strands should be interwoven in daily activities and experiences:
Well-being (Mana Atua)
Belonging (Mana Whenua)
Contribution (Mana Tangata)
Communication (Mana Reo)
Exploration (Mana Aotūroa)
Collaborate with Whānau: Engage parents, caregivers, and the wider community in the child’s learning journey. Recognize that they bring valuable insights and knowledge about the child.
Tailor the Curriculum: While Te Whāriki provides a framework, it’s essential to ‘weave’ a curriculum that is specifically designed for the children in your care, taking into account their unique backgrounds, interests, and needs.
Use Te Whāriki Online: This online portal provides implementation guidance, practice examples, and resources. It’s a valuable tool to help educators understand and apply the curriculum holistically.
Continuous Professional Development: Engage in workshops, webinars, and other professional development opportunities that delve deeper into the holistic application of Te Whāriki.
Reflect and Review: Regularly reflect on your practices and the experiences you provide to children. Ensure that they align with the holistic vision of Te Whāriki.
By embracing the principles and strands of Te Whāriki and integrating them into daily practices and interactions, educators can ensure they are providing a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive early childhood education.
How Te Whāriki works in practice
Te Whāriki, as the early childhood curriculum of New Zealand, is designed to be a flexible and holistic framework that guides educators in creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for children. Here’s how Te Whāriki works in practice:
Reflecting the Principles: Early learning services are expected to reflect the principles of Te Whāriki in their practices. These principles encompass empowerment, holistic development, family and community engagement, and fostering relationships.
Online Support: Te Whāriki is bolstered by an online portal, “Te Whāriki Online”, which offers implementation guidance, practice examples, and resources. This platform aids educators in understanding and applying the curriculum effectively.
Partnership with Whānau: Te Whāriki envisions educators (kaiako) working in collaboration with parents, caregivers, whānau (extended family), and communities. This partnership ensures that children experience a curriculum tailored to their unique needs and cultural backgrounds.
Framework of Principles and Strands: The curriculum is structured around principles that guide pedagogy and practice, and strands that represent areas of learning and development. Each early learning setting takes these principles and strands and, in collaboration with parents and caregivers, ‘weaves’ a curriculum tailored for their children.
Professional Development: There are various professional learning and development opportunities available to support the effective implementation of Te Whāriki. These include workshops, webinars, and other resources that delve deeper into the curriculum’s application.
Continuous Reflection and Adaptation: Te Whāriki is not a prescriptive curriculum but rather a flexible framework. Educators are encouraged to continuously reflect on their practices, adapt to the needs of their learners, and engage in critical inquiry to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and effective.
Engagement with Resources: Various resources, such as pamphlets, posters, and online materials, are available to support educators, parents, and the community in understanding and implementing Te Whāriki.
In essence, Te Whāriki in practice is about creating a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive early childhood education environment. It emphasizes partnership with families, a tailored approach to each child’s learning journey, and continuous professional development to ensure best practices are upheld.
Te Whāriki Play-Based Curriculum
Te Whāriki, as New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, emphasizes a holistic approach to early learning. Here’s how Te Whāriki works in practice, particularly with a play-based curriculum:
Principles and Strands: At the heart of Te Whāriki are its principles and strands. These provide a framework that guides educators in their daily interactions and activities with children. The principles encompass empowerment, holistic development, family and community engagement, and fostering relationships. The strands represent areas of learning and development, such as well-being, belonging, contribution, communication, and exploration.
Play-Based Learning: Play is a natural and vital mode of learning for young children. In a play-based curriculum, children are given the freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with their environment. Through play, children develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Te Whāriki supports this by emphasizing a child-centered approach where children’s interests guide the learning experiences provided.
Responsive Planning: Educators observe children during play to understand their interests, strengths, and needs. Based on these observations, educators plan activities and set up environments that extend and challenge children’s learning.
Collaboration with Whānau: Te Whāriki emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with parents, caregivers, and the wider community. This collaboration ensures that the curriculum is relevant to the child’s cultural, familial, and community context.
Te Whāriki Online: This online portal provides resources, implementation guidance, and practice examples to help educators apply the curriculum effectively. It’s a valuable tool for understanding how to integrate play-based learning within the Te Whāriki framework.
Professional Development: There are various opportunities for educators to engage in professional learning and development. Workshops, webinars, and other resources are available to delve deeper into the application of Te Whāriki, including its play-based aspects.
Continuous Reflection: Educators are encouraged to reflect on their practices, assess the effectiveness of their play-based activities, and make necessary adjustments to ensure they align with the principles and strands of Te Whāriki.
In essence, Te Whāriki in practice is about creating a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive early childhood education environment that values play as a central mode of learning. Through play, children are empowered to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them.
Te Whāriki Activities
Te Whāriki, as New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, is designed to be flexible and holistic, emphasizing child-centred, play-based learning. Based on the principles and strands of the curriculum, here are some examples of activities that align with Te Whāriki:
Empowerment (Whakamana):
Activity: Storytelling sessions where children are encouraged to share their own stories or experiences, fostering self-expression and confidence.
Holistic Development (Kotahitanga):
Activity: Gardening projects where children plant seeds, water them, and watch them grow, learning about nature, responsibility, and the cycle of life.
Family and Community (Whānau Tangata):
Activity: Cultural days where children and their families share and celebrate their cultural traditions, foods, dances, and stories.
Relationships (Ngā Hononga):
Activity: Group games or activities that require teamwork, such as building a large puzzle or participating in relay races, fostering cooperation and understanding among peers.
Well-being (Mana Atua):
Activity: Morning yoga or mindfulness sessions to help children focus, relax, and be aware of their bodies and emotions.
Belonging (Mana Whenua):
Activity: Creating a classroom mural or artwork where each child contributes a piece, symbolizing their unique place in the community.
Contribution (Mana Tangata):
Activity: Role-playing or drama activities where children take on different roles, allowing them to explore different perspectives and contribute to a shared narrative.
Communication (Mana Reo):
Activity: Sing-along sessions or musical activities where children learn new songs, rhymes, and rhythms, enhancing their language and communication skills.
Exploration (Mana Aotūroa):
Activity: Nature walks or excursions to local parks, museums, or landmarks, encouraging children to explore and learn about their environment.
These activities are just examples and can be adapted or expanded upon based on the unique needs, interests, and backgrounds of the children in a given early learning setting. The key is to ensure that the activities align with the principles and strands of Te Whāriki, fostering a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment.
Te Whāriki Outdoor Environments
Te Whāriki emphasizes a holistic approach to early childhood education, and outdoor environments play a crucial role in facilitating this. While the provided content from the website does not list specific examples of Te Whāriki outdoor environments, based on the principles and strands of the curriculum, here are some examples of outdoor environments that align with Te Whāriki:
Natural Exploration Areas: Spaces with natural elements such as sand, water, rocks, and plants where children can explore, experiment, and interact with nature. This aligns with the Exploration (Mana Aotūroa) strand.
Cultural Gardens: Gardens that reflect the diverse cultures of the children, allowing them to connect with their heritage and learn about others. This supports the Belonging (Mana Whenua) strand.
Physical Play Zones: Areas equipped with climbing structures, swings, and other equipment that promote physical activity and motor skill development, supporting the Well-being (Mana Atua) strand.
Creative Spaces: Outdoor areas designated for arts and crafts, music, and drama, allowing children to express themselves and communicate their ideas, aligning with the Communication (Mana Reo) strand.
Community Gathering Spaces: Open areas where children, educators, and whānau can come together for group activities, storytelling, or celebrations, fostering the Relationships (Ngā Hononga) principle.
Sensory Gardens: Gardens with a variety of plants that stimulate the senses, such as fragrant flowers, textured leaves, and edible herbs. This provides opportunities for sensory exploration and learning.
Wildlife Habitats: Small ponds or areas that attract local wildlife, such as birds, insects, or amphibians, allowing children to observe and learn about local ecosystems.
Outdoor Classrooms: Spaces equipped with seating and teaching materials where educators can conduct lessons in an outdoor setting, providing a change of environment and a connection to nature.
Construction Zones: Areas with building materials, tools, and props where children can engage in imaginative play, build structures, and solve problems collaboratively.
Quiet Reflection Areas: Calm spaces with comfortable seating, perhaps surrounded by plants or shaded by trees, where children can relax, read, or engage in quiet contemplation.
These outdoor environments are designed to offer diverse learning experiences, promote holistic development, and align with the principles and strands of Te Whāriki. They provide opportunities for children to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, collaborate with peers, and explore their world in meaningful ways.
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About Te Whāriki
Te Whāriki Definition & Details
Contents
In this article we’ll look at the core elements of New Zealand’s early learning framework, Te Whāriki.
Te Whāriki Meaning
“Te Whāriki” is the name of the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand. The term “whāriki” in Māori translates to “woven mat” and this name was chosen to symbolize the weaving together of a curriculum tailored for each child. The curriculum is based on principles and strands that serve as the foundation for learning and development. Just as a woven mat is crafted with care, the curriculum is designed to be woven together by educators in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and the community to create a unique learning experience tailored to each child’s needs.
Te Whāriki Pronunciation
“Te Whāriki” is pronounced as:
Te: as in “teh” (similar to the “te” in “technical”)
Whāriki:
So, when said together, it sounds like “teh faa-ree-kee”.
However, it’s important to note that pronunciation can vary based on regional dialects in New Zealand. If you’re aiming for accuracy, it’s always a good idea to listen to native speakers or consult pronunciation guides.
Te Whāriki History
Te Whāriki is the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand. The curriculum has undergone updates to better reflect the evolving early learning contexts and the learning aspirations of children and their whānau (extended families). The updated Te Whāriki includes two documents: “Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum” and “Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo”. Both documents share a common framework but describe alternative curriculum pathways of equal status.
The update process involved early learning academics and practitioners from various contexts. The original writers of Te Whāriki and the Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust assisted with the update. The primary aim was to provide a clearer focus on the most crucial aspects of early learning, enabling services to determine local priorities and design high-quality learning programs in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and whānau for the youngest learners.
Consultation on the updated Te Whāriki took place in November and December of 2016. Feedback from this consultation was analyzed and incorporated into the final changes to the curriculum.
It’s worth noting that Te Whāriki has been a significant part of New Zealand’s early childhood education landscape, guiding educators, teachers, and kaiako in creating a holistic and inclusive learning environment for children.
Te Whāriki Curriculum
Te Whāriki is the early childhood curriculum in New Zealand, designed to guide educators, teachers, and kaiako in early learning settings. Here’s a summary of its key components:
In essence, Te Whāriki is a dynamic and inclusive curriculum that emphasizes partnership with families and communities, providing a holistic approach to early childhood education in New Zealand.
Te Whāriki Learning Outcomes & Goals
Te Whāriki is structured around a set of principles and strands that guide the curriculum’s implementation. These principles and strands are foundational to the learning outcomes and goals of the curriculum.
Each early learning setting in New Zealand takes these principles and strands and, in collaboration with parents, caregivers, and whānau, uses them to ‘weave’ a curriculum that is uniquely tailored for their children. The goal is to ensure that children experience a curriculum in their early years that empowers them as lifelong learners, setting them on a path to becoming confident and competent individuals.
Te Whāriki Holistic Approach
Taking a holistic approach to Te Whāriki involves understanding and implementing the curriculum in a way that considers the whole child, their environment, and the interconnectedness of their experiences, rather than focusing on isolated skills or knowledge areas. Here’s how you can take a holistic approach to Te Whāriki:
By embracing the principles and strands of Te Whāriki and integrating them into daily practices and interactions, educators can ensure they are providing a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive early childhood education.
How Te Whāriki works in practice
Te Whāriki, as the early childhood curriculum of New Zealand, is designed to be a flexible and holistic framework that guides educators in creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment for children. Here’s how Te Whāriki works in practice:
In essence, Te Whāriki in practice is about creating a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive early childhood education environment. It emphasizes partnership with families, a tailored approach to each child’s learning journey, and continuous professional development to ensure best practices are upheld.
Te Whāriki Play-Based Curriculum
Te Whāriki, as New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, emphasizes a holistic approach to early learning. Here’s how Te Whāriki works in practice, particularly with a play-based curriculum:
In essence, Te Whāriki in practice is about creating a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive early childhood education environment that values play as a central mode of learning. Through play, children are empowered to explore, discover, and make sense of the world around them.
Te Whāriki Activities
Te Whāriki, as New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, is designed to be flexible and holistic, emphasizing child-centred, play-based learning. Based on the principles and strands of the curriculum, here are some examples of activities that align with Te Whāriki:
These activities are just examples and can be adapted or expanded upon based on the unique needs, interests, and backgrounds of the children in a given early learning setting. The key is to ensure that the activities align with the principles and strands of Te Whāriki, fostering a holistic, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment.
Te Whāriki Outdoor Environments
Te Whāriki emphasizes a holistic approach to early childhood education, and outdoor environments play a crucial role in facilitating this. While the provided content from the website does not list specific examples of Te Whāriki outdoor environments, based on the principles and strands of the curriculum, here are some examples of outdoor environments that align with Te Whāriki:
These outdoor environments are designed to offer diverse learning experiences, promote holistic development, and align with the principles and strands of Te Whāriki. They provide opportunities for children to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, collaborate with peers, and explore their world in meaningful ways.
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