Ako Learn

Build your knowledge of child development and ways to support whānau. These bite-sized lessons provide practical ideas and evidence-based information to support your mahi with whānau and tamariki under five.

Te hinengaro mīharo - The amazing brain

Early experiences matter

30 minute lesson

Everyday experiences with whānau can foster children’s development. This lesson looks at what pēpi and tamariki need for healthy growth and wellbeing.

Talking with pēpi

20 minute lesson

Language and interaction are key ways whānau can encourage their child’s development. This lesson explores why listening and talking with tamariki matters.

Te mana o ngā tīpuna - Tīpuna parenting

Kōrero tuku iho

20 minute lesson

Mātauranga Māori is linked to Māori identity. This lesson explores ways to support whānau to recognise and value mātauranga ā-whānau and strengthen their connections to their whakapapa.

Te mana o te whānau

20 minute lesson

Mana and tapu are important concepts to Māori. This lesson introduces you to ways these concepts relate to parenting, and how whānau can acknowledge the mana and tapu of pēpi and tamariki in everyday life.

What's in your kete?

25 minute lesson

This lesson suggests ways to build relationships with whānau and build on their kete of knowledge. It explores ideas, traditional Māori practices and tikanga related to tīpuna parenting.