Tokomairiro Kāhui Ako 

Tokomairiro Early Learning Centres are two of the four early learning services (ELS) participating in the Tokomairiro Kāhui Ako, along with four primary schools and one high school. A collaborative approach was taken to developing the achievement challenges for this Kāhui Ako and consideration was given to the role the ELS would take in contributing to this shared direction. 

Three shared goals were set for the achievement challenge, relating to writing, mathematics, and fluency with digital technologies.

Initially, the Kāhui Ako was focused on improving the mathematical ability of students. This work began with a professional development provider who facilitated workshops focused on mathematics for ELS, primary, and secondary sector groups represented in the Kāhui Ako. 

In the early childhood workshop, there was a strong focus on learning about the five key skills that indicate future mathematical success. Kaiako were encouraged to consider a range of teaching strategies that could be used to teach key mathematical skills in a play-based environment. This has positively influenced teachers' pedagogical practice. 

A workshop between ELS and schools was successful in helping teachers to further develop their knowledge of how children progress in their mathematical learning. It has also encouraged early childhood kaiako to be proactive in teaching mathematics in everyday situations rather than just through teacher-led mathematical experiences. 

For more information about Tokomairiro Community of Learning, see: Tokomairiro Community of Learning – Profile and Contact Detail.