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Te ako mā te tākaro

Learning through play

Here are some ideas for supporting tamariki learning through play. This resource is part of the Learning in the home set. See the resource carousel below for more. 

A tamaiti playing with colourful plastic stick figures.

Children learn through play

You can use what you already have at home to support children’s learning.

Children can learn through play with things from around the house. They can use empty cartons, fabric, dress-ups, pots and pans from the kitchen, and natural materials such as collections of leaves or stones from outside to play make-believe or create games.

Here are some ideas.

Creating art with recycling

Join Lisa Terreni to explore what you can make using resources from everyday recycling.

Support your tamariki to develop their creativity and confidence by making postcards, constructions with boxes, and a puppet theatre.

Working together provides lots of opportunities for talking and sharing ideas.

Watch:

Making postcards

Watch a short video about making postcards out of cardboard boxes.

Constructions with boxes

Watch a short video about what you can create out of boxes. This video includes the handy tip of turning boxes inside out.

Puppet theatre

Watch a short video about making a puppet theatre and cardboard puppets.

About this resource

Children can learn through play with things from around the house. Here are some ideas for using what you already have at home to support children’s learning. This resource is part of the “Learning in the home” set. See the resource carousel for more.