Page 13 - Riverstones Room

Riverstones Room Valued Learning

Each classroom has their own valued learning. These are the areas the
kaiako value here at Stepping Stones. Teachers use both the valued
learning below and the curriculum inspiration to guide their teaching and
children’s learning, observations of tamariki and their own learning and
development. These both sit alongside our National Early Childhood
Curriculum Te Whāriki, other Ministry of Education documents and our
centre philosophy.

Relationships/Coping with Transitions & Change - Whanaungatana
Developing secure and trusting relationships with toddlers and young
children allows them to feel a sense of security and belonging. Toddlers
and young children understand that their needs will be meet and that
adults care for and value their emotions. Strong relationships between
tamariki, kaiako and whānau members creates a safe environment for
children. Having these relationships allows children to trust and feel safe
during transition periods. Toddlers and young children feel secure in their
environment and feel comfortable to actively explore and approach
change. Children learn how to predict and cope with change in routine,
rituals and regular events within their environment.
Social Competence/Leadership - Toa
Toddlers and young children start to develop the ability to understand
others. They become socially aware of others and gain an understanding
to how to approach peers and work with and alongside others. Toddlers
and young children learn to enjoy solitary, parallel as well as co-operative
play. Through relationships and communications children develop an
understanding of the needs and feelings of others. Toddlers and young
children develop a range of reciprocal skills that allow them to share
views, negotiate and take turns with their peers. Toddlers and young
children learn how to navigate others and how they can collaborate and
work together.
Growing Self Identity/Self-Regulation/Cultural Intelligence - Tuakiri
Toddlers and young children have the security through relationships to
develop their own self-identity, where they learn who they are and what
they are capable of. Adults value children as being independent learners
who are confident and capable within themselves. Toddlers and young
children develop a range of appropriate self-help and self-care skills
which allow the child to feel a sense of growing independence. Developing
an understanding of themselves is vital for young children as this allows
them to develop self-regulation skills where they gain a better
understanding of their own emotions as well as the emotions of others
helping to develop empathy within a child. Understanding their limits