Te Whāriki
Te Whāriki is Aotearoa New Zealand's early childhood curriculum. First introduced in 1996 and refreshed in 2017, it provides a framework that supports the learning, development, and wellbeing of all tamariki in early childhood settings.
At its heart, Te Whāriki aspires for children to:
"Grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging, and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society."
The name Te Whāriki means a woven mat. Just as individual strands are woven together to create a strong and unique whāriki, children's learning is woven through their relationships, experiences, cultures, languages, and environments.
Te Whāriki recognises the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. The English and te reo Māori texts sit alongside one another and should be read together, reflecting the partnership and shared aspirations at the heart of our curriculum.
The Four Principles
The curriculum is built on four guiding principles that shape our teaching and learning:
Whakamana | Empowerment
Children are empowered to learn, grow, and develop confidence in their own abilities.
Kotahitanga | Holistic Development
Children's learning and development are viewed as interconnected, recognising the importance of emotional, social, physical, cognitive, and spiritual wellbeing.
Whānau Tangata | Family and Community
Families, whānau, and communities are valued as an integral part of children's learning journeys.
Ngā Hononga | Relationships
Children learn through responsive, reciprocal relationships with people, places, and things.
The Five Strands
The principles are woven through five learning strands that support children's growth and development.
Mana Atua | Wellbeing
Children's health and wellbeing are protected and nurtured. We create environments where tamariki feel safe, secure, and supported.
Mana Whenua | Belonging
Children and their whānau experience a strong sense of connection and belonging within our centre and wider community.
Mana Tangata | Contribution
Every child is valued as an individual and provided with equitable opportunities to participate, learn, and contribute.
Mana Reo | Communication
Children develop confidence in expressing themselves through language, symbols, creative arts, storytelling, and play.
Mana Aotūroa | Exploration
Children learn through active exploration, curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and developing working theories about the world around them.
Te Whāriki in Practice
At Kids at Play, Te Whāriki guides everything we do. We provide meaningful opportunities for children to learn through play, build strong relationships, explore their interests, and develop the skills and dispositions needed for lifelong learning.
We celebrate the unique identity, culture, language, and strengths of every child and work in partnership with whānau to support each child's learning journey.