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all_early_childhoodTheir health is promoted

practises self-care during familiar routines with growing independence

Observe whether the child: practises self-care during familiar routines with growing independence.

What it looks like

Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.

Emerging

Just starting

When the situation is concrete, the child begins to show health and body care. A trusted person can see a first step, look, reach, word, or material choice.

What you might see

  • During active play, the child pauses when an adult offers water and takes a short drink.
  • At kai, the child points to the drink bottle and accepts help opening it.
  • The child copies one step of wiping a face or nose after seeing it modelled.

Expected

On track

The child shows the focus in action by using available materials and relationships to meet the immediate need.

What you might see

  • The child asks for help with a button or zip before becoming upset.
  • The child opens part of a lunchbox, chooses food, and puts rubbish or scraps in the agreed place.
  • The child pulls on a hat before going outside and checks that it stays on.

Exceeding

Going further

The child compares options, selects a workable next step, and supports someone else to participate.

What you might see

  • The child changes from running to resting after noticing breath or body tiredness.
  • The child says the room is too hot, chooses water, and moves to a cooler space.
  • The child prepares a simple care item, such as a tissue or cup, before an adult suggests it.

Try this at home

Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.

  • Invite a familiar person to join kai, rest, handwashing, dressing, or energetic play with drink bottle. See whether a body need or care step is handled through waiting, inviting, testing, explaining, or care.

  • Hold back from solving the moment for a short count; listen for a request, reason, invitation, protest, or plan.

Where this comes from

The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.

  • Ministry of Education. (2017). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum.

    The bicultural early childhood curriculum of Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (NZ Ministry of Education), 2017 revision.