The Intentional Practice Reference Guide is a practical planning tool created to help kaiako confidently link intentional teaching practice with Aotearoa’s early childhood curriculum frameworks.

Developed by Gabby Dyet – HeartLead NZ, this guide weaves together Te Whāriki, He Māpuna te Tamaiti, Kōwhiti Whakapae, Tapasā, Tātaiako, and other Ministry of Education documents into one accessible, easy-to-use resource.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Clear explanations and curriculum links across key learning areas and dispositions

• 21 detailed Learning Lenses with teaching focuses, reflection questions, and quotes from guiding documents

• Framework overviews for each Ministry resource to support inquiry and alignment

• Ideas for how to use the guide for curriculum planning, internal evaluation, professional growth cycles, and team reflection

This resource is designed to reduce overwhelm — helping kaiako make authentic links between theory and practice, strengthen documentation, and grow confidence in intentional teaching.

Use it as:

• A companion to Te Whāriki and other guiding documents

• A shared reflection tool in team meetings or wānanga

• A scaffold for professional growth cycles or appraisal goals

• A reference during planning, assessment, and evaluation

“You bring the wisdom — this guide simply helps sharpen the focus.”