Make tidying up into a game.

Why do it?

  • Home is the first learning place and the whānau are the first teachers a child has.
  • A young child doesn’t always need special learning activities. Simple everyday household activities and routines can provide learning experiences in a familiar environment.
  • Having someone who loves them caring and nurturing them is exactly what they need, as it gives them a sense of belonging.
  • By learning what adults do, children learn these skills too.
  • It provides opportunities for language, maths and social learning.

How to do it

You’ll need: A mess to tidy, a little goofiness and some friendly competition. 

Race the song: Put on a song and see if you can tidy up everything before the song ends!

Play mission impossible: Put on some theme music and take turns choosing a mission. E.g. Our challenge is to put away anything that’s blue. Or all our shoes.

Kids vs parents: Race each other – kids tidying one room, adults another! Eek – don’t let the kids win!

Using more te reo Māori

Whakapai

To tidy

Rēhi

Race

Puoro

Music

Wero

Challenge

Rūma noho

Living room