Tuakana-teina

 Tuakana-teina is part of traditional Māori society where older experts help those who are younger or less experienced. Montessori classrooms with mixed age levels allow for such interactions spontaneously. Our classroom is no exception and as the year has progressed, it has been great to see the nurturing relationships between older and younger students. Here are some pictures of tuakana-teina in action. 

I had planned to give a decimal lesson to a couple of students, however, two other students offered to do the lesson for me. I looked on in amazement at how engaged all the students were and how the child who was being given the lesson exclaimed: "I finally get decimals!"

Students also have the opportunity to eat and do fitness activities together. It is heartwarming to see older and younger students enjoying their time in the sunshine together. 

Learning square roots has been a favourite in the classroom recently. It all started with an older student asking for a review lesson. Before long, the younger students were intrigued. Even though these younger ones may not fully understand the concept they do enjoy the experience of patterning and the tactile experience of the small pegs. One young child looked on and then proceeded to tackle the square root material with a little guidance from me. You can see the look of engagement and concentration on his face as he completes the square to find the square root.