Kāri Kai

Taha Tinana – Helping us thrive
We fuel our learning, wellbeing, and growth through kai and inu wai.

Taha Hinengaro – Supports how we think and feel
We nourish our minds and emotions through kai and inu wai.

Kāri Kai conversation starters are simple, strengths-based prompts designed to help tamariki and whānau enjoy relaxed, meaningful kōrero during kai. They encourage gratitude, connection and mindful eating, and can be used anywhere kai takes place – at the table, on the mat, or at home with whānau. They also support tamariki to notice cultural practices such as karakia, grace or tikanga around kai.

• Kōrero can strengthen relationships and help tamariki feel seen.
  
• Kai time may become calmer and more enjoyable when everyone has a turn to talk.
  
• The kari encourage curiosity about others’ experiences, cultures and routines.
  
• They’re flexible and adaptable to different situations and environments.
  
• They help support positive habits of talking and sharing kai together, recognising that this may look different for each child and their whānau or caregivers.

Kai times offer rich opportunities for social and emotional learning.
Tamariki often open up more easily when the setting is relaxed and the pātai are simple. Remind them that every whānau has their own ways of blessing kai, sharing kai and showing gratitude.
Encourage tamariki to learn, listen respectfully and celebrate diversity. These kāri can also help build a stronger class culture around kai.

Option 1: In the classroom

1. Print the Kāri Kai worksheet out and ask tamariki to make their card set. (Note: printing on cardboard can work here!)
2. During shared kai, place 3 to 4 cards in the centre of each group.
3. Tamariki take turns choosing a card. Each child in the group can give an answer to the prompt.
4. Encourage them to ask one follow-up pātai to anyone who has shared.
5. Swap cards with other groups to keep kōrero fresh if needed.

Option 2: At home

1. Send a Kāri Kai pack home with each tamaiti.
2. Encourage tamariki and whānau to use the cards during kai times.
3. You could share a short message with whānau, like: ‘Room __ are learning how kai and inu wai connects us to each other. (Student) will use their kāri kai cards to ask interesting questions during kai time.'

You might:

• Invite tamariki to create their own kōrero starters based on their culture or whānau traditions.
• Turn favourite prompts into a class poster for shared kai times.
• Pair this activity with My Kai Story or Come Round for Kai to deepen understanding of kai traditions.
• Explore the whakapapa of a popular food and connect it to local history or whenua.

Let us know how you enjoy this activity, and feel free to share your pics over on our Sparklers Kaiako Community Facebook group️.