The Practice Implementation Checklists: Aotearoa (PIC: Aotearoa) are a set of five reflective tools designed to support teachers in embedding effective, evidence-informed practice within play-based classrooms (Years 1–8). Grounded in both research and te ao Māori, these checklists help kaiako strengthen culturally sustaining pedagogy by integrating mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and community knowledge. Each checklist focuses on a key area of play practice – from setting up the environment to assessing and communicating learning – and enables teachers to reflect on progress, set goals, and build confident, responsive play pedagogy. Ideal for individual or team use, the PIC affirms what’s working, highlights growth areas, and keeps culturally grounded practice at the heart of learning.

While the PIC Aoteaora was developed within the Aotearoa New Zealand context, the principles behind these checklists are relevant to any educator seeking to deepen culturally responsive, play-based practice. For those outside New Zealand, we encourage adapting the reflective prompts to honour your own local cultures, languages, and community values. Consider how the concepts of identity, belonging, and relational teaching show up in your setting, and use the structure of the PIC to guide intentional, inclusive pedagogy that reflects the children and whānau you serve. At its heart, the PIC is a flexible framework for fostering meaningful, culturally grounded learning – wherever you are.