Mana and kaitiakitanga in early childhood education

Mana and kaitiakitanga in early childhood education

Concepts of mana and kaitiakitanga are fundamental to Māori understandings of wellbeing. In this webinar, Dr Lesley Rameka (University of Waikato) explores how mana can be promoted through kaitiakitanga or active guardianship, as one way of meeting the practice expectations outlined in Te Whāriki (2017).

The session describes a research project that explored opportunities for mokopuna to recognise mana and understand ways to accrue and attain mana through being kaitiaki of themselves, others and their environment. The research drew on both traditional perspectives and evidence-based understandings, strategies and exemplars of teaching practice developed in collaboration with kaiako in early childhood centres.

To help you navigate the webinar easily, there is a list of the key topics covered in the session below, including the time each was discussed. The key ideas discussed in this webinar are also shared in a short insight article.


Topics discussed in this webinar

Times shown in minutes and seconds from the start of the video

3.37What is wellbeing and what does it mean for tamariki Māori?
7.00Understanding the concept of mana
10.20Understanding the concept of kaitiakitanga
14.50 The research project into mana and kaitiakitanga and perspectives of kaumatua
23.52Kaiako and tamariki perspectives on mana and kaitiakitanga
31.37Implications for teachers
41.04Using the terms ‘mana’ and ‘kaitiakitanga’ respectfully and authentically
43.00Connections to Te Whāriki
46.06Mana and kaitiakitanga in the school context

Questions for exploring the key ideas from this webinar

How confident are you in understanding, identifying, and using the concepts of mana and kaitiakitanga in your practice? How could you deepen your understandings of these complex concepts? Who could support you with that?

What examples can you offer of ways in which children enhance their mana by being kaitiaki?

What opportunities do tamariki have to be kaitiaki in your setting, and how might you increase these opportunities?

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