Kaiako at a kindergarten observed that tamariki were highly engaged when collaboratively using outdoor equipment in creative ways. 

The kaiako used this knowledge to inform what they provided for children and how they scaffolded learning using the strands of Mana atua | Wellbeing, Mana tangata | Contribution, and Mana aotūroa | Exploration in Te Whāriki. 

Guided by Te Whāriki, their philosophy, and related theories, the kaiako decided to co-construct curriculum with the children. This involved valuing children’s contributions while supporting them to learn how to keep themselves and others safe. 

When kaiako sensed that tamariki needed further opportunities to develop resilience and risk-taking, they worked with them to design and make further physical challenges using the outdoor equipment. 

In their initial planning they prioritised: 

• co-designing with children, which afforded opportunities for genuine collaborative discussions
• opportunities for progress and increasing complexity 
• challenges available over time, so children have multiple chances to feel and see their progress
• equity of access, for example, examining if challenges work for children of all heights
• materials that were adaptable and not costly
• challenges that involved instability of objects not far off the ground.

Watch the video of the outdoor equipment that was designed with the children.

Kaiako listen out for language that is evidence of the concepts children are learning. For example, “I kept trying and I am not scared anymore.” 

They used photographs and videos to assess challenge and progress. They document some of their assessments as learning stories, always with a focus on the learning they have observed. 

Kaiako developed a culture of learning conversations – both planned and spontaneous – where their observations are shared and assessments of learning are triangulated. 

Reviewing risk and ensuring that challenges meet the regulations in terms of safety is seen as a continuous process. 

Weekly debrief meetings also formed part of the reflection process. For example, a note was made, “Rope challenge and slack line – moving onto problem solving as well as the challenge continuing. Demonstrates the importance of leaving this up for a long time.” 

Kaiako observed the benefits of repeated experiences of complexity and collaboration. They adjusted their expectation that challenge demands new experiences. This provided insight into how well they were promoting resilience and risk-taking. It was evidence of progress towards learning outcomes, particularly those associated with the Mana aotūroa | Exploration and Mana atua | Wellbeing strands of Te Whāriki.