Playing with my new friend

11 September 2018. Written by T Liz

Asalamo Alaikom and Kia Ora Thaakierah. Over the last few
weeks I have noticed you starting to play with other children
as you learn new ways to be a friend. This morning I noticed
you playing in the sandpit by yourself when Bushra came
walking towards you calling “Kierah…Kierah”. She stood on the
side of the sandpit then walked away. Bushra came straight
back to the sandpit. ‘Kierah, its mine” Bushra explained as she
showed you a little treasure in her hand. Bushra came and
knelt beside you and started digging, just like you were. You
looked up at Bushra and soon you were working together to
fill a bucket with sand. I watched as you out a spadeful of
sand into the bucket, then Bushra put a spadeful of sand into
the bucket. You looked at her each time you put some sand
into the bucket, then Busj-
What Learning Occurred

Thaakierah’s learning pathway this term is developing

friendship skills (which is one of our centre’s learning
priorities). His confidence to express his ideas has
oushed your
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 Bukhari as he explores ways

to communicate Saloomi and other friends by giving him
verbal and non -verbal feedback about his play.

You replied as you shook your