How does Learning Dispositions Apply To Treetops Childcare Centres?
In Aotearoa New Zealand we are blessed to celebrate the Māori culture. We use the Te Whāriki, as our guide which highlights the importance of the partnership that has come from te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). At Treetops we believe that this starts with us in the early years.
Te ao Māori (the Māori world) also offers a different perspective when looking at everyday experiences. You might have come across the phrase – ‘learning dispositions’ in our learning stories, these are personality characteristics or traits identified by te ao Māori. We strive to instil this in all our tamariki (children) at all our Treetops Early Learning childcare centres.
Aroha mai, Aroha atu (Love given, love returned)
Aroha (love, caring, kindness, compassion, empathy and affection) forms part of these learning dispositions. Aroha is weaved throughout our Treetops Philosophy. Our environment, our kaiako (teachers), and our collective actions lead towards giving aroha. By acting in ways that demonstrate aroha everyone can feel a greater sense of community and belonging. We believe that giving aroha creates more aroha.
How We Show Kindness Our Treetops Childcare Centres
“He aroha whakatō, he aroha puta mai – If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive.”
We recognise that there are some people in our community who are less fortunate than others. It is important to give back to our community, to help those in need and to ‘pay it forward’. There are a number of events for which we raise funds. These include Daffodil Day for Cancer Society, Jammies in June for Middlemore Foundation, Pink Shirt Day for Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and various Foodbank collections for local charities including Salvation Army. This koha (gift or donation) that we give to others helps us to give aroha and feel aroha – and we hope that those who receive this aroha will give this to others, creating a cycle of positive impact on those in our community.
How do we model aroha?
Aroha is at the centre of our routines and rituals at our Treetops early learning daycare centres. Our kaiako have a passion for teaching, caring, guiding, teaching and last but not least, learning. Our kaiako strive to create an environment that feels like home, by creating an environment that is visually appealing, comfortable and accessible for all. Importantly, each child’s culture and languages can be seen in different ways. You’ll see it in the room displays, songs we teach the tamariki, the books we read, and the conversations happening. At Treetops’ childcare centres, we like to slow things down and give tamariki the attention they need. This is how we show respect, appreciation and aroha to each child.
In conclusion, aroha is at the centre of who we are as a daycare. This is why we also teach our tamariki how to reflect love and kindness. Not only are we leading by example, but by encouraging them to do the same.
