Wafiy learns trust

Learning priority: growing control of body and physical co-ordination

Just the other week on friday we had a rare opportunity to take the kids on an outing to
near by Navy-park. We walked across the block and children let loose on the park as it
was a gorgeous sunny day. Navy park has this big old wooden climbing structure with
flying fox, high ladder that takes you to the top of a fortress looking view deck with long
slide. Wafiy you were having so much fun with your An-nur mates trying everything out.
Then one of your peers found the ladder leading to fireman's sliding pole and you had to
try it out too. I was with teacher Heather observing you all as children were taking turns on
the sliding pole. I noticed that you had spent a long time sitting at the top by the pole and
would not come down. I think it was good that you were showing caution as there is a bit of
a drop unless you hold tight with your arms and legs. I started coaxing you with teacher
Heather to try sliding in a safe manner. This took a while and I could see how little tears
were rolling down your cheeks as it was becoming a bit stressful for you.
Finally after some hesitation and thinking about right way to do it with safe hands
supporting you under, Wafiy you let go of your fears and comfort zone and did it! You slide
down the pole, did it all on your own instead of taking the safer route of ladder down!
Great job Wafiy, feels good doesn't it; to try out something find the courage to do it even if
it feels a bit scary at first. Life is full of those moments; learning to let go and learning to
trust. (in the picture Wafiy climbing up the ladder to fireman's pole at the Navy park)

What is Wafiy learning here?

(links to Te Whariki 2017 curriculm)

5. Exploration-Mana aoturoa

They learn strategies for active exploration,

thinking and reasoning;
-Control over their bodies, including
development of locomotor and movement skills,
agility and balance, and the ability, coordination
and confidence to use their body to take risks
and physical challenges.

4. Communication-Mana Reo:

They develop verbal communication skills for a

range of purposes;
-Responsive and reciprocal skills, such as turn
taking and the use of language to express
feelings and attitudes, negotiate, tell stories,
communicate information and solve problems.

Learning story June 2017 by Heidi Brotkin

Links to Te Whariki 2017 curriculm

Exploration-Mana aoturoa
Children gain confidence in and
cotrol of their bodies.

Communication-Mana Reo:

Children learn verbal and non verbal

communication skills for range of
purposes.