Deepen relationships with students and whānau
In the ngahere or forest, our knowledge of each and every plant allows us to act as guardians, providing care and protection. Deepening relationships with ākonga and their whānau builds understanding and trust, and helps teachers to respond to ākonga needs.
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Strengthen relationships
Strengthen relationships
Connect with culturally sustaining frameworks
Connect with culturally sustaining frameworks
For example, use dimensions from the Māori health model, Te Whare Tapa Whā
Taha Whānau - family, people and relationships
- whānau, friends, iwi and hapū
- cultural, religious, social and recreational connections
- professionals working with the family.
Taha Wairua - spiritual wellbeing or life force
- spiritually strengthening aspects, for example, faith, being in nature, creative activities and meditation
- special interests, hopes and priorities for ākonga and whānau.
Taha Tinana - physical wellbeing
- physical activity and recreation preferences
- physical abilities and challenges
- medications and allergies.
Taha Hinengaro - mental and emotional wellbeing
- strengths and talents
- dislikes, what can upset them
- signs that the student is beginning to feel upset or anxious
- strategies used to calm students.
Whenua - connection to the land and environment
- important places
- iwi and hapū, maunga and awa - mountains and rivers
- interests in the environment, plants and animals
- connections to people and ancestors.
Commit to understanding ākonga
Commit to understanding ākonga
Hamish describes the positive impact of being “known” by his teacher.
He also reflects on the impact of being invisible.
Closed Captions
Involve family and whānau
Involve family and whānau
“We talk, we meet, we listen”.
Educators talk about engaging with and welcoming Pacific families and whānau using a Tapasā approach.
Get to know your learner over time
Get to know your learner over time
Creative alternatives to learner profiles:
1. All About Me Interviews
- One-on-one chats with a teacher or peer using simple, structured questions.
- Use visuals or yes/no prompts.
- Record answers through voice, video, or drawing:
- "What do you like at school?"
- "What helps you learn?"
2. Video Introductions / Self-Presentations
- Students record short videos introducing themselves.
- They can show their strengths, interests, and needs.
- Great for visual and verbal expression — use prompts or interview formats.
3. Photo Collages or Vision Boards
- Students select photos of people, places, things, or activities they like.
- Use magazines, printed photos, or digital tools (like Canva or Book Creator).
- Add labels or short captions if appropriate.
4. Learning Choice Baskets
- Use a basket or box filled with objects that represent learning preferences (e.g., headphones, timer, picture of a friend, fidget, iPad).
- The student selects what helps them learn best.
- You can record their choices as a profile.
5. Interactive Poster or Wall Display
Create a classroom wall or board where students can add post-its or pictures under categories:
“I feel calm when…”
“I like learning with…”
“I want to get better at…”
Successful home-school partnerships
Successful home-school partnerships
Build a partnership that has a clear focus on students’ learning, where everyone can make positive and active contributions that benefit learning.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Foster relationships and partnerships”:
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Current page Deepen relationships with students and whānau
Return to the guide “Behaviour and learning”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Behaviour and learning
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Commit to whole-school approachesShow suggestions for Commit to whole-school approaches
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Foster relationships and partnershipsShow suggestions for Foster relationships and partnerships
- Deepen relationships with students and whānau
- Connect with daily interactions
- Explore and find solutions together
- Empower students
- Support positive peer relationships
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Design learning for allShow suggestions for Design learning for all
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Foster wellbeing and mental healthShow suggestions for Foster wellbeing and mental health
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Embed social and emotional learningShow suggestions for Embed social and emotional learning
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Be proactiveShow suggestions for Be proactive
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Respond in challenging situationsShow suggestions for Respond in challenging situations
