Kaiako should support children to grow as mathematicians within the holistic framework of Te Whāriki. The following show how space and measurement are evident in each strand of Te Whāriki.
Learning about space and measurement can help children safely explore challenging environments, engage in energetic physical activity, find retreat space and develop independence including self-care skills such as toileting and dressing. For example, understanding distance supports children to safely kick and throw balls, learning about location can help them find their belongings, and knowing about relative size supports children to dress with increasing independence. These experiences support the learning outcomes of Mana Atua | Wellbeing such as: “Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of keeping themselves healthy and caring for themselves | te oranga nui” (Te Whāriki, p. 27).
Learning about space and measurement can help children feel secure, know they belong, and strengthen their sense of connection to others and the environment. For example, understanding ‘relative size’ supports relational thinking “I am taller than my baby brother”; knowledge about location strengthens a sense of belonging “I know where my maunga and awa are”. These experiences support the learning outcomes of Mana Whenua | Belonging such as: “Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of making connections between people, places and things in their world | te waihanga hononga” (Te Whāriki, p. 32).
Learning about space and measurement can help children learn with and alongside others and make a valued contribution. For example: knowledge about ways to move shapes supports children to use a range of strategies when working together to solve puzzles or construct with blocks; and understanding relative speed, distance and location supports collaborative games such as transporting materials from one place to another. These experiences support the learning outcomes of Mana Tangata | Contribution such as: “Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of recognising and appreciating their own ability to learn | te rangatiratanga” (Te Whāriki, p. 37).
Learning about space and measurement contributes to children being strong and effective communicators. Using maths language or gestures about measurement helps children share ideas and discuss their working theories, e.g. “I think we will both be as tall as mum one day”. These experiences support the learning outcomes of Mana reo | Communication such as: “Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of recognising mathematical symbols and concepts and using them with enjoyment, meaning and purpose | he kōrero pāngara“ (Te Whāriki, p. 42).
Learning about space and measurement contributes to children being critical thinkers, problem solvers and explorers. For example: recognising similarities and differences when shapes are turned, flipped, or slid helps children classify, make predictions, and solve problems; and a growing understanding of volume or surface area helps children to explore scientific concepts and think logically and critically. These experiences support the learning outcomes of Mana aotūroa | Exploration such as: “Over time and with guidance and encouragement, children become increasingly capable of making sense of their worlds by generating and refining working theories | te rangahau me te mātauranga” (Te Whāriki, p. 47).
