Research and

leadership!
Child/Tama Hini: Bushra. Teacher/ Kaiako: Naema.
Date: 11th September/ Mahuru, 2019.

Bushra Bushra your passions for reading books and learning sign language
investigating about the days in the week we practice every morning at Mat time are growing.
worm through You ask me to read my special collection of books as well as books you collect
magnifying glass.
from the preschool bookshelf and ask me to read it for you. Recently you found a
book about the human body and another about worms. You ask me to read it for you
almost three times a day. Your curiosity about worms is making you think and reason.
Today when I was reading you the book about the human body, you asked me, “Teacher
Naema, do worms has bones in it?” I said to look at the worm picture carefully and then
you may find your answer. She looked at it carefully and said, “T. Naema you said that
they breath from their skin I think there is no bone inside.” Then with a thinking face you
added, “I know Bukhari squished the worm accidently and has blood but no bones.” I
praised you for your observation and said, “You are right. It is kind of an animal that has
no bones. it has muscle and small hair on its body that helps it to move.”
The next morning you asked me to read that worm book again and later when at Mat time
I asked Tamariki/children what they want to share for their story at Mat time. You put
your hand up and shared all the information about worms from the book you were
reading the last few days with me.
To extend your learning about the human body I took the skeleton from the resources
shelf and displayed it in the preschool. I also spent time with you and scaffolded you to
set up organs in the human body and showed you how ribs are protecting all the soft
organs like the heart, lungs, spleen, pancreas, and stomach in the body. I noticed you call
Bukhari to come along so you could share your knowledge with him.
During these last few weeks I noticed you have been developing leadership qualities in
you and a few times asking other children to participate in group play, making rules for
who is going to get a turn, when and how? Today when we were watering the vegetable
garden and everyone wanted to get a turn you said, “T. can we count 20 to get our turns.”
I said why not we just have to ask the other children if they agree.” You turned around
facing towards Julia, Abdi and Fareeha to check if it was okay with them. You felt very
proud and helped the other children to count. Kei te mōhio koe. / you are clever.

Bushra showing Julia how to balance on the train seesaw and enjoy the rocky ride.
What is happening?
Bushra, your positive attitude towards learning is supporting you to become more
responsible and explore the world to gain knowledge. It is evident that now you are
confident in yourself and are able to show your leadership qualities. Your curiosity is
making you think and reason. You are asking to read something a few times to become a
master of the information before you share this with others. You asked me to read Human
body and worm books a few times until you were sure enough to share with your
preschool friends at Mat time. Your curiosity is building a research-based attitude in you
and you are comparing things and facts to increase your knowledge. This was evident
when you asked if worms have bones in them and you were able to recall your experience
to relate with the knowledge you gained from the books as you told me about the
squished worm and the fact that worms breath through their skin. It is also evident that
you love sharing your knowledge with others in a large group like Mat times. Ka pai
Bushra to mahi. Good job.

How can we extend this learning?

Bushra your learning pathway for this term 4 is to support you to increase your leadership
skills. Staff will encourage you to strengthen your own interest and curiosity by embarking
on longer-term projects that require perseverance and commitment. This will also tick the
box for Centre priority academic skills. It was mentioned how staff will provide
experiences for you such that you will be able to take care of the needs and wellbeing of
the group, including the ability to take responsibility for group decision.

Bushra is leading the group for the childrens’ race.

Bushra is given a job to look after the area while I have to go to get the
recipe for the playdough to show it to the so we can follow the
instructions on the recipe. Bushra asked Karam to wait until the teacher
comes back in a gentle but firm voice.
11/9/19: Today I gave you the
responsibilty to put pillows out
for rest time. You sat on the steps
and called Bukhari, Julia and Ayah
to help and explained to them
what you wanted them to do. You
closed your eyes and said to the
children, “I am closing my eyes
and counting from 1 to 20. See if
you all are finishing your Job.” Kei
te mōhio koe. / you are clever.
Good stratigy for a leader.
Parents’ Contribution: