Models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā emphasise the importance of te taha wairua to holistic wellbeing.
Te Whare Tapa Whā; te taha wairua
•Cultural concept — preserved verbatim
Observe whether the child: Models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā emphasise the importance of te taha wairua to holistic wellbeing.
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
Materials related to health and body care are present in kai, rest, handwashing, dressing, or energetic play. The purpose becomes clear only after adult modelling or explanation.
What you might see
During handwashing, snack, rest, or dressing, drink bottle is visible, yet the choice belongs more to the adult than to the child.
The setup includes hand towel and drink bottle; the pace leaves little time for independent action.
The moment begins respectfully, though the child’s refusal or preference is acknowledged only after prompting.
Expected
On track
The setup makes the construct visible: children encounter a body need or care step, have usable materials, and receive enough support to act without being taken over.
What you might see
Children use the arrangement to show health and body care through action, not only through answers.
The routine makes a body need or care step concrete enough for children to act within the moment.
Materials are adjusted so a hesitant child can join without embarrassment.
Exceeding
Going further
The adult links health and body care to whānau knowledge, tikanga, or child identity and adapts the plan as children respond. Children help shape the next step.
What you might see
Kaiako extend the observed interest with a new challenge that still feels manageable.
The environment changes after observation, showing that children’s cues matter.
The child’s idea becomes part of the shared plan for the next turn.
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
Leave drink bottle within reach in a familiar kai, rest, handwashing, dressing, or energetic play moment. Watch for initiative, hesitation, help-seeking, or a changed plan.
Ask the child to choose what stays and what changes; look for ownership, persistence, comparison, or compromise.
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.