Painting offers the opportunity to build friendships and lets children explore some of the unwritten rules of shared play, such as fairness, sharing, and turn-taking.

Our Tamariki demonstrate and learn that they understand and can express the need for fairness, sharing, and taking turns with others. Children recognise and show that it is important not only to have fun and have a turn but also for friends to have fun and have their turn.

This painting activity supports our philosophy of a “play-based centre”, where children are encouraged to learn at their own pace through exploration and play. As our Tamariki navigate the different colours, shades and brush strokes, they investigate the world around them through play-based learning. According to Jean Piaget, children learn the best when they are given the opportunity to explore and interact with their environment.

Furthermore, group activities promote collaboration, respect for others’ work, and awareness of sharing common resources. In this learning experience, our Tamariki meet the social and emotional objectives specified in the Approved Learning Framework of New Zealand, emphasising cooperative interactions and being part of a group. The Tamariki enjoyed participating in a group learning experience with each other.

The Ministry of Education shares valuable ideas here in this link. They give ideas on how you can support your tamariki in painting activities, as well as the importance thereof.