How play helps tamariki build confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them 

When a child turns a cardboard box into an oven, carefully mixes imaginary ingredients and serves freshly “baked” biscuits to their friends, it can be easy to see it as simple play. 

But look a little closer and there is far more happening. 

That child might be drawing on something they have seen at home. They are remembering the steps involved, experimenting with ideas, and using their imagination to recreate the experience. As their play develops, they are building knowledge, practising new skills and making sense of the world around them. 

This deeper understanding of the play process reflects an important idea within Te Whāriki, Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum: tamariki are capable and competent learners.  

Children are not simply waiting for adults to teach them. They actively build understanding through curiosity, participation, relationships and meaningful experiences.  

Learning through everyday play 

Play gives tamariki the freedom to explore the experiences and ideas that interest them. 

A child who has watched a parent baking might begin by pretending to mix ingredients or place a tray in the oven. If they later take part in a real baking experience, their play could become more detailed. They might follow a recipe, measure the ingredients, talk about how the mixture changes or take on different roles with their friends. 

By recreating this one familiar experience, children can explore: 

• Early mathematical ideas through measuring, counting and comparing, 

• Science concepts such as how ingredients combine and change, 

• Early literacy through recipes, books, symbols and new words, 

• Creativity as everyday objects become baking tools or ingredients, 

• Physical skills through pouring, mixing, rolling and shaping, 

• Communication, collaboration and negotiation while playing alongside others. 

More than just participating in simple play, the child is actively learning and exploring their interests. They might be interested in the process of baking, the science behind it, or the connection between preparing food and caring for their family. Sometimes the focus of their learning is clear. At other times, it reveals itself as the child revisits the experience and their play grows over time.  

Following their interests

Our kaiako carefully observe and foster relationships with tamariki to understand what it is that captures each child’s curiosity. 

We sometimes refer to this catalyst as a child’s “golden thread”. It is the interest, question or idea running through their play. By recognising that thread, kaiako can provide experiences, language and resources that help the child investigate it more deeply.  

For a child interested in baking, this might include: 

• taking part in a real baking experience, 

• exploring utensils, cookbooks and pretend ingredients in the family play area, 

• creating cakes and recipes in the sandpit or mud kitchen, 

• using visual recipe cards or drawing their own, 

• reading stories about food and where ingredients come from, 

• investigating how ingredients look, feel, smell and change, 

• discovering foods and traditions from different cultures. 

These activities are not about directing every step or deciding in advance what the child should learn. They are about creating possibilities and giving tamariki the time, space and support to develop their own ideas.  

What this looks like at New Shoots

The New Shoots approach to learning through play is grounded in our Vision of children and families growing together. 

We believe children learn best when they feel safe, secure and connected. That’s why creating A Place that Feels Right is so important. Warm relationships with kaiako, a sense of belonging, and environments that feel welcoming and familiar, all help tamariki build the confidence to explore, take risks and learn. 

We are also passionate about creating A Fun and Exciting Place to Be. By taking time to understand each child’s interests, strengths and emerging ideas, our kaiako can provide experiences that build on their natural curiosity and make learning both meaningful and exciting. 

Whether a child is fascinated by baking, construction, bugs, animals or storytelling, we see these interests as valuable opportunities for learning. Through thoughtful interactions, intentional environments and play-based activities, we help tamariki deepen their understanding of the world around them, all while developing skills that support lifelong learning. 

How whānau can support learning through play

You do not need special equipment or planned activities to encourage this kind of learning at home. Often, the most valuable thing you can do is notice what activities and objects your child keeps returning to. 

Listen to what they are saying. Watch the roles they take on and the problems they are trying to solve. Give them uninterrupted time to play and offer simple materials that can be used in different ways. 

You might also: 

• invite them to take part in everyday experiences such as cooking, gardening or sorting washing, 

• talk about what you are doing and introduce useful new words, 

• provide safe household items for imaginative play, 

• ask open questions such as, “What do you think will happen?” or “How could we make that?”, 

• allow them to lead, even when their play takes a different direction from the one you expected. 

Children often revisit the same themes because each experience gives them something new to consider. What may appear repetitive to an adult can be a child testing an idea, strengthening a skill or building a more detailed understanding. Those simple activities that bring joy are powerful learning experiences that grow a child’s understanding of the world around them. 

Capable from the beginning

When we view tamariki as capable and competent learners, we begin to see play differently. 

A cardboard box becomes a shop. A mud kitchen becomes a café. A simple baking experience becomes an opportunity to explore mathematics, science, language, creativity and relationships. 

Children do not need adults to have all the answers. They need adults who notice, listen, encourage, and provide opportunities to explore their interests. 

At New Shoots, we celebrate children’s curiosity and trust in their ability to learn through meaningful experiences, relationships and play. Every day, we see just how capable and competent tamariki truly are. 

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