Playing with my friend Bukhari.

11 September 2018. Written by T Liz

Asalamo Alaikom and Kia Ora Saloomi. Over the last few
weeks I have noticed you spending a lot of time with Bukhari
as you enjoy the same interests. This morning I noticed you
were riding a scooter when you saw Bukhari sitting on a couch.
You dropped the scooter and sat down beside him. You
started to read a book, just like Bukhari was, when another
child wanted to sit on the couch with you but there wasn’t any
room. Bukhari moved to another couch to make room for the
new child. Bukhari looked at you and whispered something
that made you laugh, and that made him laugh as well. I
laughed with you and said “I would love to know what you said
that was so funny.” Bukhari explained “he’s a cat” as he
pointed at you. “Oh” I said; “I didn’t know Saloomi was a cat”.
Bukhari got down from the couch and started to crawl away.
You called out “Stop! It’s not morning yet” then stood up and
ran after him.
A few minutes later you followed Bukhari back along the
path, but this time he was riding a scooter. You pointed
to the scooter Bukhari was riding. I encouraged you to
“use your words Saloomi and ask Bukhari if you can have
a turn after him”. Bukhari heard me talking to you about
the scooter and dropped it. You followed Bukhari as he
ran off across the playground.

What Learning Occurred

Saloomi’s learning pathway this term is increasing the

ways he can express his ideas and needs (which is one
of our centre’s learning priorities). His confidence to
express his ideas has grown so much over the last few
months as teachers have given him phrases to use when
he’s playing. Saloomi is using his new confidence to begin
to form a friendship with Bukhari through sharing
experiences together. He has shown his understanding
of ways he can communicate his ideas, both verbally and
non-verbally. Saloomi’s communication skills are
expanding as he watches and listens to his friend to
figure out how to respond to him. Ka rawe hoki (that’s
fantastic) Saloomii!

How can we extend this learning?

We will continue to support Saloomi as he explores ways

to communicate B ukhari and other friends by giving him
You replied as you shook your verbal and non -verbal feedback about his play.
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