The following shows how connected relationships and caring for others is included in each of the strands of 'Te Whāriki'.
Children’s sense of personal worth and cultural identity are essential elements of wellbeing in the early years. When children can trust that their emotional needs will be met through secure relationships, self-regulation and resilience are fostered. Connected relationships support children to develop a sense of responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of others.
Kaiako have an important responsibility to ensure that children and their families feel a sense of belonging in the early childhood setting. Children’s belonging is fostered through connections between what happens in the early childhood setting and experiences at home and in the community. When children know the social expectations and culture of a setting, they are supported to develop confidence as a learner and feel empowered to participate.
Children make meaningful contributions in early childhood settings, through responsive and reciprocal relationships with kaiako and with other children. Developing empathy and taking responsibility for others helps children to learn to be part of a community. In an early childhood setting, every child should know that they are respected and valued for their unique contribution, grounded in their mana and whakapapa.
Relationships are built and maintained through communication, both verbal and non-verbal. In early childhood settings children are supported to learn to communicate in a variety of effective and meaningful ways and to express their feelings and ideas, and to negotiate and respond to others. Through social communication, children can develop trusting reciprocal relationships and strengthen capabilities for collaboration, problem-solving and shared play.
Children’s dispositions of curiosity are enriched through shared exploration with adults and peers. Children discover that collaborating with others is a powerful way of learning, and that we can all benefit from shared interests, knowledge, skills and ideas. Exploration is enhanced through collaborative problem-solving and playful experimentation, investigating connections between people, places and things.
