The vision that underpins 'Te Whāriki' requires “a society that recognises Māori as tangata whenua, assumes a shared obligation for protecting Māori language and culture, and ensures that Māori are able to enjoy educational success as Māori" ('Te Whāriki', page 6).
For Māori mana and whakapapa are integral to the development and maintenance of relationships with whānau, hapū and iwi. Mokopuna Māori who experience cultural practices such as karakia kai, waiata and pepeha will initially learn through observation and, when they are ready, will learn through participation. Karakia kai, waiata and pepeha, and the way we support children’s engagement, are culturally located practices that sit at the heart of forming connections.
The Principles of 'Te Whāriki' most pertinent to this area are: Whānau tangata | Family and Community; and Ngā hononga | Relationships. Children learn best when people in their lives help them to make meaningful connections across settings. Interactions which are respectful, responsive, and reciprocal creates a strong context for children’s learning.
“Inclusion encompasses gender and ethnicity, diversity of ability and learning needs, family structure and values, socio-economic status and religion ('Te Whāriki' page 13). Kaiako practice that is inclusive and enables all mokopuna to share their important heritages and identities, can help create a pathway to feelings of connection and belonging.
Culturally responsive environments play a crucial role in supporting connected relationships and the way we learn about caring for others. Respectful inclusion and the promotion of culture and language are critical aspects of supporting children’s positive identity and learning. Children’s understandings of themselves and their connections with others develops in the early years’ of life and is critical for positive life outcomes. Safe, secure and responsive relationships with whānau and kaiako support all aspects of children’s learning.
