The New Zealand early childhood curriculum framework, Te Whariki, has a holistic approach to learning. It is founded on the aspiration for children ‘to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society’[Te Whariki, Ministry of Education, 1996].

The curriculum is developed around key principles and strands that support a socio-cultural approach to teaching and learning.

The four curriculum principles are:
• Empowerment/Whakamana – Children are empowered to learn and grow, to see themselves as capable people and confident learners.
• Holistic Development/Kotahitanga – All aspects of a child’s learning and development are interrelated and interconnected.
• Family and Community/Whanau Tangata – Involvement of a child’s family/whanau strengthens the child’s learning and development.
• Relationships/Nga Hononga – A child’s learning is enhanced through responsive and reciprocal relationships with adults and other children.

The five strands or key areas of learning and development for children are:
• Well-being/Mana Atua – The child’s health and well-being are protected and nurtured.
• Belonging/Mana Whenua – Children and their families feel a sense of belonging.
• Contribution/Mana Tangata – Opportunities for learning are equitable, and each child’s contribution is valued.
• Communication/Mana Reo – The languages and symbols of their own and other cultures are promoted and protected.
• Exploration/Mana Aoturoa – The child learns through active exploration of the environment.

Te Whariki advocates for teaching and learning practices and experiences that are culturally appropriate to the child, their family and community, underpinned by the premise that children are central to learning. The role of the adult (teacher, caregiver or parent is to support learning by gaining insights into the world of the child, and responding appropriately.