11 October 2018. Written by T Liz.

Asalamo Alaikom Bukhari. Over the last few weeks I have seen you joining in games with
other children as you learn more about how to play in a group. When you arrived on the 29th
September you were excited to see Bushra and Ayah watering our new vegetable seeds. You
followed Samira over to the tray and watched Bushra, then Ayah, have a turn to water the
seeds. You nodded when I asked you if you would like a turn to water the seeds. I saw you
watching Samira closely as she sprayed just a little bit of water into each seed pot. Samira
handed the bottle to you when her turn was finished and you gently squeezed the trigger and
watched the water flow out.

Later that morning you joined in a group baking with T Huda. You watched as T Huda showed
you all the ingredients and explained the process of making a carrot cake. You stood behind
the children involved in the baking until there was spare chair. You sat down and joined in by
observing what was happening.

On the 8th October we had a picnic morning tea on the mat as a change. You looked like you
listened as I explained what was going to happen. You followed Samira to wash your hands
then sat beside her on the mat. You watched the fruit platter being passed around the circle.
You shook your head as Samira passed the plate to you, so she passed it on to Yasir, who was
sitting on the other side of you. When the plate came around again, you were brave enough to
take a piece of banana and smile slightly when I reassured you that our morning tea was still
the same as normal, it was just in a different place. Next time you looked confident to take
another piece of banana off the plate.

What Learning Occurred?

Bukhari’s new learning pathway for this term is developing friendship skills. He feels
confident to join in group activities (such as watering the seeds and baking) in whatever way
he wants to which is valuing him as a person. Bukhari’s trusting relationship with his older
sister builds his confidence to participate in new activities. He is increasing his understanding
of social norms and expectations as he learns rules and routines of each group activity such
as baking or having a picnic morning tea. Bukhari is a keen observer of what’s happening
around him, which is giving him understanding of ways he can contribute to a group
experience. He pai tō mahi (good work) Bukhari!

How can we Extend this Learning?

We can support Bukhari as he joins in group games by explaining the rules, routines and
process of the activity he’s involved in.