In early childhood, wellbeing is not taught through instruction alone, it is learned through experience, relationship, and trust.
At our preschool, hauora/ well-being is a living practice, woven into everyday moments and extended through meaningful community experiences.
Recently, our tamariki participated in two powerful learning opportunities: a water safety session focused on life jackets and a St John Children’s First Aid programme. Together, these experiences supported children to care for themselves, care for others, and feel confident navigating the world around them.
During the water safety session, children explored how life jackets work, how to fit them correctly, and when they are used, whether near pools, at the beach, or on boats. This hands-on experience supported Mana Atua | Wellbeing, helping children understand physical safety while also building emotional confidence around water. Rather than approaching safety through fear, children were empowered with knowledge, reflecting whakamana—the belief that children are capable learners when trusted with responsibility.
Alongside this, the St John Children’s First Aid session invited tamariki into the role of helper. Through gentle discussion, role play, and storytelling, children learned what to do if a friend is hurt, how to ask an adult for help, and how calm, caring actions make a difference. This learning aligns strongly with Mana Tangata | Contribution, reinforcing that even young children can positively support others.
Across both experiences, manaakitanga was at the heart of learning, Children saw care modelled by adults and practised kindness with one another. Whanaungatanga was strengthened as children worked together, encouraged peers, and shared responsibility. These experiences also supported mauritanga, helping children feel settled, confident, and emotionally regulated in situations that could otherwise feel overwhelming.
Together, water safety and first aid learning reflect a holistic approach to hauora—nurturing the body, emotions, relationships, and sense of self. These are foundations that children will carry with them well beyond early childhood.