When a child struggles to communicate, their emotional, social, and physical worlds can begin to unravel. However, when language flourishes, wellbeing follows. By viewing early learning through Te Whare Tapa Whā, we can clearly see how language and literacy uphold and safeguard the holistic wellbeing of tamariki.

As an empathy researcher and educationalist, I often get asked, "When should we actually start teaching empathy?" Is it in the primary classroom? Is it through formal high school leadership programs? Or is it at the Early Childhood Education (ECE) level?

Coactive Education has created a free Matariki goal-setting resource inspired by Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the Matariki star connected with hopes, dreams and aspirations for the year ahead.