Let's imagine
Encouraging imaginative play where children can draw on the cultural knowledge they already have.
Kaiako from an Invercargill Pacific early learning service used digital platforms to encourage families to look to the cultural values, practices, and languages that are important to them. This emphasised that learning is more meaningful when children can draw on the cultural knowledge they already have.
Parents and whānau spending time on “let’s imagine” with their child is one way to help them learn at home.
It invites children to:
- show others what they know and can do already
- develop memory through recreating an experience from the past
- practise for the real thing
- learn about empathy and different perspectives – to put yourself in another’s shoes
- increase skills and creativity over time by participating in activities.
Let's imagine – two words that open up a world of learning possibilities
Notice how the video shows:
- children thinking and planning together in their learning
- learning about patterns and spacing, and how to work cooperatively
- sensory experiences in the learning
- how making food for the family and community demonstrates cultural values such as tautua (service).
With thanks to the Samoan, Kiribati, and Tongan families who shared the photographs of their tamariki learning at home.
Music in the video was composed by Eteuati Reupena.
About this resource
In the video compilation, you will see how encouraging imaginative play within familiar cultural contexts and values contributes to children’s confidence, enjoyment, and participation as learners in their homes.