But wait there is more

Part two

from Tamara

There is so much I could share, one last thing I would like to share was the importance of Papaatuanuku, and the environment. The emphasis was on how important it is for infants and toddlers to connect with nature which is also an important part of the KIDSPACE philosophy. This is also a very important part of Maaori culture in which an importance to nature is held.

We each had to choose a natural item from a table which had an array of items. We all had to share what this particular item reminded us of, for instance a shell - family holidays or walks etc. We all had a fond memory and it just showed how nature connected us to people, places and things. So throughout this Marae stay we were immersed in living the tikanga experience.

A quote that stuck with me was "there's no bi-cultural journey, there's no destination map, it should always be emerging".

Feel free to talk to me about my learning on this course.

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