Routines are an impactful and integral part of all early childhood centres. The way teachers engage in and develop routines influences how children feel, supports smooth transitions, and helps give children a sense of ownership of the daily programme.
Jacqui Lee and her teaching team at Pakuranga Baptist Kindergarten discuss how they have developed their routines into meaningful rituals. Guided by the principle of rangatiratanga, children are encouraged to take leadership of these rituals. The teachers share examples of some of their rituals, including the ritual of filling a kete as an emotional and self-regulation tool.
Glossary:
Aroha: love
Atawhai: kindness
E tū, tamariki mā: Stand up, children
Karakia: a prayer
Kete: a basket
Ko te hī, ko te hā: breathe in, breathe out
Kupu: vocabulary
Me inoi tatou: Let us pray
Ngāwari: to be affable and easygoing
Rangatiratanga: leadership
Te aroha, te whakapono, me te rangimārie, tatou tatou e: Love, hope, and peace, for us all.
Te reo: language
Waiata: a song
Whakahoa: to be a friend
Whakawhetai mō nga kai, ināine: a prayer to bless food
