Beliefs and views we hold of the mokopuna, and the experiences of childhood that we draw from, affect the way we view teaching and learning and our role as kaiako. These views shape our language and action.

What tends to happen more often in our lives is the “How are you?” “I’m fine.” dance. We all buy into the ‘busy’ equals ‘I am of value’ principle of life; and the unspoken code that I’m too ‘busy’ to be anything other than fine and you are too ‘busy’ to listen, so what’s the point in sharing anything real?

We must be guardians of spaces that allow children to breathe, be curious, and to explore the world and be who they are without suffocation. They deserve one place where they can rumble with vulnerability and their hearts can exhale.

Moving our attention to away from the negative circumstances in our work or life and focusing on the positive aspects means…….

To start with we put our own oxygen masks on first. When this announcement is made on the plane it always feels in contradiction to my gut instincts - but unless we look……..

Find the passion, the sense of purpose, the dream and dive straight in.

Our task is to educate the hearts and minds of children in our settings so the future of Aotearoa will flourish…..