Kia Tīmata Pai

The study is taking place over four years, and is a collaboration between the University of Otago, BestStart and Methodist Mission Southern. The study has an extremely wide reach, involving 140 BestStart centres, over 1,000 tamariki and hundreds of kaiako all over the country.

Kia Tīmata Pai compares two different interventions; ENGAGE, which supports children’s self-regulation skills through playing games, and ENRICH, which supports children’s oral language development in the early years. By looking into the outcomes of these two interventions, this research will provide valuable evidence on the most effective ways to support children in the early years, to increase their chances of positive life outcomes. If successful, this could benefit future generations of children to come.

Supporting Oral Language

Intentionally supporting children to develop their oral language skills in the early years leads to an increase in children’s ability to have more positive interactions with other children and adults. Good oral language skills are shown to enable children to better express their thoughts and feelings, which supports a range of positive outcomes including increased empathy for others, communication and mutual understanding, problem solving and later learning to read and write.

Supporting Self-Regulation

Increased self-regulation skills in the early years effectively predict later positive life outcomes, both short-term and long-term. A child with good self-regulation skills can effectively and independently manage their feelings, thoughts and behaviours. As a result, children are able to resist impulsive behaviours, make better choices and manage their intense emotions. Later on this leads to improved success in many facets of life; including improved physical and mental health, successful relationships, better financial success and life satisfaction.

Scarlet Mollan | Kaimatapaki Matua (Rakahau me te Uruhi)
Communications Lead – Research and Implementation