September 2014
Sandra Laing
There was a new game put out for the children
to play, it was called Bugs Building. This game
is the same as Jenga, where blocks are stacked
on top of each other into a tower, a dice is
thrown to tell you which coloured block you
need to remove without demolishing the
tower. You, Rico, Rychiss, Te Taonga and
Tevitavea gathered together around the table
where the game was set up.
I watched you all to see how this activity would
develop. Having children of different ages and
stages interact in a game that requires turn
taking and specific rules can often cause
frustration.
You immediately took charge of the game
showing some excellent leadership qualities
Rakena. You set up the tower of blocks and
started the game by taking the first turn. I
listened to you as you spoke to the group and
explained that is was Rico’s turn next and then
you handed him the dice. You made him feel
very comfortable and built his confidence up.
Rico threw the dice and the other children tried
to move his block until you stopped them and
explained that he had to move it. Throughout
this process you assisted every child by voicing
that it was their turn and who was next. You
were making sure that Rico in particular was
understanding the specifics of the game and
you were looked after him showing some very
caring qualities.
What learning is happening here Rakena?
You are showing that you are capable of
interacting within a group activity and able to
give instructions while keeping calm and in
control. You are developing leadership
techniques and applying strategies which
enable you to interact with others without
getting frustrated. I saw you showing affection
to Rico which helped him to avoid feeling
frustration and enabled him to participate
alongside everyone else in the group.
The New Zealand Curriculum Te Whāriki
encourages children to “develop strategies and
skills for initiating, maintaining, and enjoying a
relationship with other children – including
taking turns, problem solving, negotiating,
taking another’s point of view, supporting
others, and understanding other people’s
attitudes and feelings”.
(Ministry of Education, 1996, p.70).
Tuakana Teina : Ma te tuakana ka totika te
teina, ma te teina ka totika tuakana.
From the older sibling the younger one learns
the right way to do things, and from the
younger sibling the older one learns to be
tolerant.
Where to next Rakena?
You are currently one of our oldest children
here at Kindergarten now Rakena, so it is
important that you continue to build your
social competencies. The transition to school
programme which you will be a part of in term
4, 2014 will extend your social experiences and
help prepare you for your next educational
adventure as well as here at Kindergarten.
You have shown many great attributes throughout this activity Rakena, kei te pai 