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Kim
The Te Whariki approach intertwines culture with education in a way that is inclusive and looks at the child with a holistic view., meaning that this approach sees all the parts of a child's development as part of curriculum. This approach is non-prescriptive, and is one where you have to be willing to be reflective, and responsive to new ways of learning and speaking. Having a bicultural education has a huge impact on children and families and influences how they see themselves and develop their sense of identity. Te Whariki sees the importance of culture and language and incorporates both into education by creating curriculum that is meaningful and inclusive. This approach reminded me a lot of constructivism, Piaget, Vygotsky and even reggio with the importance of the whole child, the social child, and the capable and knowledgeable child.
Guadalupe
As I learned more about Te Whāriki, I found myself reflecting on my own experience as an English learner when I first moved to the United States. I think back to that time and realize how much I longed for a sense of welcome and belonging. I was navigating a new language, a new environment, and a new way of being, and yet I didn’t feel safe showing who I really was. I was afraid to speak Spanish, afraid to share my culture, and afraid that parts of my identity might not be accepted. Because of that, I felt like I had to hide pieces of myself to fit in.
Learning and researching about Te Whāriki’s focus on identity, language, and belonging opened something in me. This theory highlights how powerful it is when early learning environments honor children’s cultures, languages, and family histories. It emphasizes that children thrive when they feel connected, understood, and seen for who they are. When I think about this, I can’t help but imagine how different my own transition might have felt if the places I entered had embraced my full identity and invited me to bring my Spanish, my culture, and my story with me.
This reflection strengthens my commitment to the work I do today. In my role, I want every child and family to feel the sense of belonging I once wished for. I want them to walk into a space and know their language and culture are not just allowed, they are valued. Te Whāriki reminds me that creating environments where children feel safe to be themselves isn't just good practice; it’s essential. My own journey shapes how I show up, and it motivates me to build learning spaces where no one feels they have to hide who they are.
Marie
Te Whariki focuses on child directed learning in ways that connect culture and community to the learning process. This approach is committed to protect the culture and language of the Māori people and helps Māori children become confident in who they are in the world.
Te Whariki encourages curiosity which allows children to explore how things in a variety of ways. By recognizing children as capable and confident learners the curriculum is built to foster a lifelong love of learning.
I want to take the concept that learning includes direct and indirect experiences and carry that into my work with families.
Hannah
It's been exciting to see a country intertwine it's indigenous history with it's school systems. Having grown up as an indigenous person in the United States, the erasure of native history has been evident to me from a young age. The fact that New Zealand noticed this in it's own country and did something about it simultaneously inspires and saddens me. The approach itself reminds me much of the Reggio program I work in, but with a focus on culture that I wish my program included. In Te Whāriki, all children's cultural practices and languages are valued and incorporated into their learning experience. I don't feel the usual American interpretation of Reggio-Emilia includes that.
I believe that if the United States were to adopt a national eaching practice more like Te Whāriki, with an emphasis on indigenous practices, the country would be a much cleaner, happier, and respectful place, with inclusivity for all people (immigrants or not), respect for the land, and support for historically looked populations.
I hope to bring some of the ideas of Te Whāriki into my own practice and the program in which I work.
Below you will find two ways to let us know what you learned. Please follow the link for the reflection and then finish the picture with your answers to the small quiz!
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