Naa te moa I takahi te rata-Infants and Toddlers conference part one

Kia ora Tamara here.

Last week I flew up to Auckland to go on an infants and toddlers conference with links to Maaroi tikanga (practices) and stay at a Marae. Initially this was way out of my comfort zone, not knowing anyone out of close to a hundred people and meeting new people, but eventually I got used to it.

There was lots of fun and learning throughout the days. There were lots of discussions about mixed aged centres and how the younger children (Teina) and older children ( Tuakana) really benefit and learn off each other as they observe and play together.

I also attended a workshop about the link between nurturance and brainy babies. The presenter, Nathan, really emphasised the importance of the first three years of a child's life and how vital their brain development is at this time. The back part of the brain near your neck is called the survival brain. If a young child becomes stressed, their cortisol (stress levels) go up and if a child has to use their survival brain it takes up space of the frontal cortex which is the front part of your brain.

Meeting babies needs through strong attachments means we are nurturing parts of their brains. A baby who has strong relationships is better off and will learn more.

He also talked about the importance of primary caregiving systems in centres which is the system we use at KIDSPACE. This is something I have reflected on and as a team we are looking at how we organise caregiving when I am away or in the office.

He said "infant and toddler teachers are sculptors, after three years they are polishers". When you're working by yourself, only part of your brain lights up but when you work or talk with others more of your brain engages. Brains are made to talk to others. It just goes to show the importance of relationships and communication with our tamariki.

One fact I didn't know, is that two year olds and fifteen year olds don't have access to their frontal cortex and aren't able to regulate their emotions. Also, most animals don't have a frontal cortex.

I hope you have found this helpful and interesting

Tamara