Animal Memory Match Resource Gifted to Early Childhood Centres Across New Zealand

Early Childhood Education

To continue supporting the early childhood education (ECE) sector and inspire meaningful learning experiences for tamariki, NZTC is proud to gift a new educational resource.

Animal Memory Match—to ECE centres across the country.

This vibrant and engaging resource was gifted to our recent graduates and their centres to spark curiosity, encourage cognitive development, and foster social interaction. Animal Memory Match offers a playful yet purposeful way to support early learning.

The Animal Memory Match set features beautifully illustrated animal cards that invite children to explore memory, pattern recognition, and language development through interactive play. Whether used in small group activities or one-on-one teaching moments, the resource encourages:

  • Cognitive skill-building through matching and recall

  • Language enrichment as children name animals and describe features

  • Social collaboration as tamariki take turns and share discoveries

  • Emotional engagement through familiar and beloved animal imagery

ECE kaiako can integrate the cards into daily routines, mat time, or spontaneous learning moments, emphasising learning through exploration and contribution, reflective of Te Whāriki.

NZTC Academic People and Partnerships Manager Chelsea Bracefield shared her enthusiasm for the initiative:

“We’re proud to gift a resource that supports nga tamariki cognitive and language development while encouraging through play— Resources that reflect Te Whāriki and support holistic development across all strands was core to our development of this resource.”

As our graduates begin their teaching journeys, we look forward to seeing Animal Memory Match in action across Aotearoa New Zealand, creating moments of wonder and connection in centres nationwide.