At Marlborough Kindergarten, as part of our Enviroschools kaupapa, we place a huge focus on Kindness—supporting tamariki to understand how their words and actions can impact the wellbeing of others. Recently, we revisited this learning through our children’s latest interest: becoming superheroes.

We read stories about tamariki who use their amazing personality traits and positive behaviours to transform into super kind superheroes. This idea really captured the children’s imagination, sparking meaningful discussions during their play and social interactions about what makes them “super.”

We encouraged these conversations further during mat times, documenting their voices and expanding on their ideas. This led to an exciting group project: creating our own superhero capes filled with all the words that make us ‘Super Kind’.

The children worked together to brainstorm words that describe a super kind person. After beautifully painting their capes, each child had special time with Nicole to carefully write their chosen words for everyone to see. The pride on their faces was heartwarming, and we received lovely feedback from whānau. Some shared that their tamariki were using their superhero powers at home—showing kindness, being helpful, and modelling positive behaviours for younger siblings.

Through this experience, tamariki were supported to strengthen their sense of Mana, Belonging, and Wellbeing. Their literacy, creativity, and social-emotional development were fostered as they expressed their thoughts and took leadership in their learning. Their ideas and interests were embraced, creating rich opportunities for growth across all learning areas.