Te Whaariki is a unique and innovative approach to early childhood education that originated in New Zealand. It is a holistic curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole child, including their physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and cultural development. The name ‘Te Whaariki’ translates to ‘the woven mat’, symbolising the interconnectedness of all aspects of a child’s development and learning.
This comprehensive approach to education is internationally recognised for its emphasis on child-centred learning, cultural inclusivity, and a strong connection to the environment. It is a flexible and adaptable framework that can be tailored to meet the needs of individual children, families, and communities. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Te Whaariki, exploring its principles, strands, goals, and the role it plays in international education.
Origins and Philosophy of Te Whaariki
The Te Whaariki approach was developed in the 1990s by a team of educators and researchers in New Zealand. It was born out of a desire to create an early childhood curriculum that was reflective of the country’s unique cultural heritage, particularly the Maori culture, and responsive to the needs of its diverse population.
The philosophy of Te Whaariki is grounded in the Maori concept of ‘ako’, which refers to a reciprocal and dynamic process of learning and teaching. It emphasises the importance of relationships, community, and the natural world in a child’s learning journey. The curriculum is designed to empower children to become competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging, and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.
Principles of Te Whaariki
Te Whaariki is underpinned by four fundamental principles: Empowerment, Holistic Development, Family and Community, and Relationships. These principles guide the implementation of the curriculum and provide a framework for understanding children’s learning and development.
‘Empowerment’ refers to the belief that children are competent and capable learners who should be given opportunities to make choices and decisions about their learning. ‘Holistic Development’ recognises that all aspects of a child’s development are interconnected and should be nurtured equally. ‘Family and Community’ acknowledges the critical role that families and communities play in a child’s education, and ‘Relationships’ emphasises the importance of positive and respectful interactions between children, teachers, families, and the wider community.
Strands and Goals of Te Whaariki
The Te Whaariki curriculum is structured around five strands: Well-being, Belonging, Contribution, Communication, and Exploration. Each strand has associated goals that provide guidance on the outcomes that children should achieve through their participation in the curriculum.
‘Well-being’ focuses on promoting the health and well-being of children, ‘Belonging’ encourages children to form secure attachments and understand their place in the world, ‘Contribution’ empowers children to become active participants and contributors to their communities, ‘Communication’ develops children’s language and communication skills, and ‘Exploration’ fosters a sense of curiosity and a love for learning.
Te Whaariki in International Education
Te Whaariki has gained international recognition for its innovative and holistic approach to early childhood education. It has influenced the development of early childhood curricula in several countries and is often used as a benchmark for quality in early childhood education.
One of the key strengths of Te Whaariki is its adaptability. Despite its roots in New Zealand’s cultural context, the principles and strands of Te Whaariki can be applied in diverse cultural settings. This flexibility makes it a valuable resource for international educators seeking to develop inclusive and culturally responsive curricula.
Adapting Te Whaariki for Different Cultural Contexts
While Te Whaariki is deeply rooted in New Zealand’s cultural context, its principles and strands are universal and can be adapted to suit different cultural contexts. The curriculum encourages educators to incorporate the values, traditions, and practices of their local communities into their teaching practices.
For example, in a multicultural classroom, educators can use the principle of ‘Family and Community’ to create a learning environment that respects and values the diverse cultural backgrounds of their students. They can also use the ‘Contribution’ strand to encourage children to share their cultural traditions and practices with their peers, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
Te Whaariki and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Te Whaariki’s emphasis on holistic development, cultural inclusivity, and environmental sustainability aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, its focus on quality education (SDG 4), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) makes it a valuable tool for educators seeking to incorporate the SDGs into their teaching practices.
For example, the ‘Exploration’ strand encourages children to develop a sense of curiosity and respect for the natural world, which can be used to teach them about environmental sustainability. Similarly, the ‘Contribution’ strand can be used to promote social justice and equality, aligning with the SDGs’ aim to reduce inequalities and promote inclusive societies.
Conclusion
Te Whaariki is a unique and innovative approach to early childhood education that has gained international recognition for its holistic, child-centred, and culturally inclusive approach. Its principles and strands provide a flexible and adaptable framework that can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse children, families, and communities.
As an international education tool, Te Whaariki offers valuable insights into how to create inclusive, culturally responsive, and sustainable learning environments. It empowers children to become active participants in their learning journey, fostering a love for learning and a sense of curiosity about the world around them.
Advance Your Teaching Career with IPGCE
Embrace the principles of Te Whaariki and take your teaching career to the next level with IPGCE. Whether you’re aiming to meet the high qualification standards of international schools, seeking career advancement, or looking to join a global network of educators, the International Postgraduate Certificate in Education (iPGCE) is your gateway to success. With our program, you’ll experience a significant increase in interview callbacks, promotion rates, and salary potential. Plus, you’ll gain invaluable insights into international curricula, making you an adaptable and sought-after educator in today’s diverse educational landscape. Don’t let professional isolation or the challenge of balancing work and study hold you back. Join the UK’s #1 Teacher Training Course today and weave a stronger future for yourself and your students. Join the UK’s #1 Teacher Training Course.