What is Pataitai Stations?

Pataitai Stations

Pataitai means to investigate and be curious. Pataitai Stations are designed to develop hauora, a sense of belonging and a curiosity for learning throughout the transition from preschool to school. It is a holistic approach catering for the mental, emotional, physical and social needs of the child through play and inquiry learning. Each of the stations are carefully set up and designed to create opportunities to maximise learning and growth through play at the child’s own pace and developmental stage.

Stations are displayed on the wall in a grid format. The children are invited to place their names under a station of their choice. At this time children are learning to plan, make decisions, negotiate and self-manage as there can only be 3 people at each station.

Children are continually learning to self-manage and make good social and learning choices. This is encouraged through expectations, role modelling and providing engaging and relevant activities appropriate for the children age and stage.  Elements of choice and variation, within each station, allow for children to learn from each other and develop language skills between peers.

At the end of the time at stations we stop to share our learning experiences, challenges, problems, and most importantly celebrate our thinking and learning. There have been many times we have celebrated people’s perseverance with a task or their respect for their own and others’ learning. Sharing time not only acknowledges success and effort, but also provides valuable opportunities to learn from each, and create an awareness and curiosity for a new station and learning opportunity for other children.