The following shows how understanding and using language is included in each of the strands of Te Whāriki.
Children's wellbeing is enhanced when they can express themselves and feel included. Actively encouraging and supporting home languages alongside learning a new one helps children feel valued and confident to express their ideas and feelings. Building an additional language on the foundation of home languages enhances children's ability to make choices, focus, and concentrate. Using rhymes, songs, and chants regularly is an enjoyable way to keep home languages visible and introduce a new language. These types of repetitive experiences are particularly good because they help children to see themselves as capable, increasing their sense of personal worth.
A sense of belonging develops when all children feel safe and respected in a setting that values diversity. In practice, this means kaiako ensuring resources reflect children's languages and cultures. This familiarity is especially important for children who are new to learning the languages of the service.
This strand recognises the interconnectedness of people, places, and things in Māori, Pacific, and other cultures. Social interactions are crucial for developing a sense of belonging. Kaiako make time for back-and-forth conversations and organise the curriculum to give children plenty of opportunities to contribute their cultural knowledge and enjoy play with others.
Learning an additional language gives children further strategies and skills to initiate, maintain, and enjoy relationships in an increasingly diverse society (Te Whāriki, p. 37). It helps them join and contribute to communities beyond their immediate family and often leads to supporting their families with language needs. When kaiako combine additional language learning with supporting children's home languages, children are encouraged to contribute their strengths, values, and perspectives. This approach also ensures children's family backgrounds are recognised, building children’s confidence that their culture and heritage are viewed positively in the early childhood setting. In such an environment, children are more likely to engage and contribute alongside their peers.
“Besides English, te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), some 200 different languages are in use in New Zealand, with Samoan, Hindi, Northern Chinese, French and Yue (Cantonese) being the most common. Children more readily become bi- or multilingual and bi- or multiliterate when language learning in the education setting builds on their home languages” (Te Whāriki, p. 12).
The early years are crucial for developing communication skills because the brain is highly receptive to language learning during this time. Learning an additional language boosts children's ability to listen, speak, and remember language patterns. As they become proficient in a new language, children’s confidence in talking to a wider range of people grows. They share perspectives and cultural knowledge that might otherwise be overlooked. This contributes to a more inclusive community with greater empathy and a more positive attitude to tolerance. Kaiako facilitate these benefits by offering various resources such as books, games and words that reflect the language experiences children bring from their homes. They enjoy talking and showing children how different languages work in communication (metalinguistics).
Learning an additional language opens new worlds for children. Different languages express unique concepts and help children to think flexibly. Children who speak more than one language often have an advantage when it comes to creativity, imagination, and problem-solving because they can draw on ideas and concepts from a wider language and cultural base.
Learning an additional language and maintaining home languages enables children to navigate and communicate across diverse environments, including their families, early childhood settings and local communities. It also enhances their participation and exploration through play. Kaiako recognise this by offering many opportunities for inclusive group play, where language learning happens naturally and without pressure, as ideas are explored and negotiated.
