After nearly twenty years of informing the early childhood sector of latest research and developments, He Kupu is preparing to release one of its biggest issues yet with 14 editorial and peer-reviewed articles to be published in mid-October.

The free online research journal is published biannually by New Zealand Tertiary College, providing an important platform for early childhood professionals and aspiring teachers to share their voice and research with over 11,000 subscribers worldwide.

In the upcoming issue, contributors explore how the theme of Readiness to Teach is perceived and taught by teachers and the wider sector, offering a range of perspectives from leading voices in ECE.

Sean Dolan, the editor of He Kupu and Academic Dean of NZTC, underscores the importance of Readiness to Teach. “Teacher readiness has led the discourse in recent years,” says Dolan, “and has underpinned several key reforms that have significantly impacted the sector.”

Helen Stewart-MacKenzie, a Senior Academic Lecturer at EIT Hawkes Bay, contributes a stimulating peer-reviewed article exploring the concepts of ‘love’ and ‘aroha’ within the New Zealand early childhood curriculum.

"While Māori cultural understanding of relationship, family and love, are acknowledged and considered in the English text, there appears to be a difference in the understanding of cultural concepts within the two (English and Māori) texts themselves.”

Dr Sandy Radford, an academic staff member at Open Polytechnic Kuratini Tuwhera o Aotearoa, examines how organisational culture in ECE centres affects a new teacher’s readiness to teach.

“The fresh perspective brought by the new teacher provides valuable insights which can strengthen the teaching and learning in the centre.”

Galina Stebletsova, a Lecturer at Unitec/Te Pūkenga New Zealand, and Elizabeth Polley, a senior academic staff member in early childhood education at Open Polytechnic / Te Pūkenga, co-author an editorial exploring how blending family and educator knowledge into the curriculum can enrich a child’s learning experience.

“Funds of knowledge highlights the importance of teachers learning from families about children’s existing skills and knowledge and using this information to support the acquisition of new knowledge.”

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Keep an eye on the He Kupu Website, and NZTC’s social media — Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn — for He Kupu’s official release.