Ako – Children’s Learning Team
Welcome to Playcentre fun and learning for 2026. Our children’s learning teams play a vital role in helping Playcentre sessions thrive – your role is not only about providing amazing play experiences for our tamariki but also to inspire other parents and help them see themselves as kaiako too!
Over the summer holidays, the adult education team have made some exciting changes to the adult education programme, in response to an unexpected funding situation. We are utilising this opportunity to bring the Playcentre Introductory Award (PIA) right back to the very basics. Make sure to read the adult learning section of this newsletter so you are aware of the changes – they will impact what happens on session this year. As part of the children’s learning team, you may find yourself in the tuakana – experienced member – role, supporting a teina – newer member – to set up and reflect on play as they work through the PIA.
Online training resources
If you didn’t make any of the Teams sessions last year or if you’d like a refresher, check out the resources at Whānau Team Roles | Playcentre.org.nz. Related to ako | children’s learning, there are:
- A video and guidance for Arotakenga – Planning & Evaluation
- Termly Curriculum Cycle graphic
- NRR Cycle graphic
- A video and guidance for Taputapu – Equipment
Ako – Children’s Learning Tips for the start of the year
As you settle back into the year, here are some things to get underway:
- Take a look at the centre walls. Take down 2025 learner maps, learning stories, artwork etc to create a clean start for 2026.
- Encourage and support all whānau to complete a learner map for their child for 2026. Every child will have changed and grown so much since the start of Term 4 and it’s time to start afresh. We encourage whānau to review and update learner maps for the start of each term. Share a copy with other kaiako on the child’s session days and put a copy in their portfolio.
- Hold a children’s learning hui (aka LEAP hui, curriculum hui, planning hui). Review information from last term’s session evaluation information and this term’s learner maps. Brainstorm some ideas for what you will do over the term to support each and every child’s learning. While you may need to schedule some specific activities if they need special resources, involve visitors or are excursions, the best planning evolves as the term goes on. So start with a brainstorm of possibilities, and plan day-to-day and week-to-week depending on children’s interests, parents’ energy levels and the weather on the day.
- Talk with your Kaimahi if you notice any equipment has broken over the holidays or needs a refresh.
Your Centre Advisor (CA) is your first point of call if you have any queries related to children’s learning, curriculum or play ideas. If your centre does not currently have a CA, contact your Regional Support Lead.
Return of the Playcentre Journal
The Playcentre Journal will be making a comeback in an electronic format later this year. Keep an eye out for a call for articles later this term. In the meantime, put your thinking caps – what play and learning experiences would you like to learn more about? What are some of the things your centre does really well that you’d like to share with others. Take photos to capture those special moments throughout the term.
You can check out older issues of the Playcentre Journal at Playcentre Journals | Playcentre.org.nz for ideas on what types of content will be included. The journal has a rich history dating back decades. Unfortunately publication stopped in 2020 during the first Covid lockdown – it will be back in a new revamped form in 2026!