He kakano I ruia mai I Rangiatea
The seed will not be lost
This paper was prepared by Jocelyn Wright, University of Canterbury, 2009.
Key question
What do you know about the connections between early childhood and school curriculum documents as a platform for professional conversations and curriculum continuity for children?
Introduction
Te Whāriki states: 'The early childhood curriculum provides a foundation for children to become confident and competent and, during the school years, to be able to build on their previous learning' (p. 93).
The New Zealand Curriculum (2007) reiterates this expectation. 'This new stage [transition from early childhood to school] in children’s learning builds upon and makes connections with early childhood learning and experiences' (p. 41).
An assumption underpinning these messages is that the school and early childhood sectors have knowledge and understandings of each sector’s curriculum, and that communication about children’s learning between sectors is ongoing.
Reflective question:
- How do you currently share your knowledge about children’s learning with schools?