Here at Kidiwise ngā tamariki are empowered to learn alongside our animals. One of our early learning centres' most special and enriching aspects is our connection to animals. You may have already heard our tamariki talk excitedly about collecting eggs from our heihei (chickens) or spending time with our poniponi (pony) Peachy, and caring for her by brushing her and feeding her kai. These experiences are more than just memorable - they are deeply meaningful to your child’s learning and development. Tamariki are given the ability to flourish when they have positive, reciprocal relationships with animals. Animals provide tamariki with the chance to grow and develop socially and emotionally.
Jane Bone (2013), in her review The Animal as Fourth Educator, suggests that animals in early childhood education settings act as a “fourth teacher”, alongside adults, other tamariki, and the environment. Through relationships with animals, tamariki learn compassion, empathy, and a deepened sense of connection with the world around them.
● Links to Te Whāriki:
○ Contribution | Mana Tangata – Tamariki develops caring attitudes and learn how to take another’s perspective.
○ Exploration | Mana Aotūroa – Engaging with animals encourages inquiry, wonder, and respect for living things.
Stephanie Stickney (2021), in her study How Can Incorporating an Animal-Based Curriculum Into an Elementary Classroom Help Promote Social/Emotional Development?, found that regular interactions with animals support children’s self-regulation, empathy, and emotional resilience. At our centre, we see how spending quiet moments with our horse or feeding the chickens gives tamariki space to reflect, reset, and feel safe.
● Links to Te Whāriki:
○ Wellbeing | Mana Atua – Tamariki feel emotionally secure and are supported to express their feelings.
○ Communication | Mana Reo – Animals become trusted companions tamariki talk to and about, supporting emotional expression and language development.
Tamariki thrive when they are trusted with real tasks. Feeding the chickens or helping care for the horse teaches consistency and care. They learn that their actions have real consequences, which helps them build independence and responsibility.
● Links to Te Whāriki:
○ Belonging | Mana Whenua – Tamariki know they have a place and feel a sense of responsibility for others (including animals!).
○ Contribution | Mana Tangata – Tamari develop a sense of social responsibility and are empowered to help.
Animals spark deep thinking. “Why is the horse’s coat changing?” “Why do chickens lay eggs in the morning?” These authentic questions drive exploration and discovery.
● Links to Te Whāriki:
○ Exploration | Mana Aotūroa – Tamariki learn through active exploration and thinking, developing early scientific concepts through real-life experiences.
When tamariki spend time with animals, they begin to develop a sense of environmental responsibility. They learn that they are part of a wider web of life and that all living things deserve respect and care.
● Links to Te Whāriki:
○ This reflects the holistic nature of Te Whāriki, where the strands are woven together to support the development of values like respect, guardianship, and interdependence.
By nurturing relationships with animals, Kidiwise provides tamariki with opportunities for rich, meaningful learning that shapes who they are becoming—kind, curious, and connected members of the world around them.
References
Bone, J. (2013). The animal as fourth educator: A literature review of animals and young children in pedagogical relationships. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 38(2), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693911303800208
Stickney, S. (2021). How can incorporating an animal-based curriculum into an elementary classroom help promote social/emotional development? [Capstone project, Hamline University].DigitalCommons@Hamline. https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/734
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