What Are The Three Discourses Of A Child

“All children have the right to health, to protection from harm and anxiety, and to harmony, consistency, affection, firmness, warmth, and sensitivity.” (Ministry of Education, 1996,p.46).Every individual has the right to feel as if they belong, that they have a voice and understand that their beliefs, ideas , ambitions and concerns are listened to and respected, “They are people in their own rights, with their own concerns, priorities and aspirations.” (Stainton-Rogers,2009,p.149). Throughout Stainton-Rogers (2009) reading she explains and discusses the three different discourses of a child. These discourses are suggested to contribute to our knowledge of understanding of the different images of a child and childhood in contempory societies. Throughout this essay I will …show more content…
Reflecting over the three discourses it is evident how they determine children’s lives in Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand is seen to be a diverse country, supporting and valuing each individual culture and needs, linking to our very our New Zealand curriculum for the early childhood sector, where it is clearly stated that Te Whariki is founded following the aspirations for children “to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body, and spirit, secure in their senses of belonging and in their knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.” (Ministry of Education, 1996,p.9). This quote examines and relates highly to each discourse, allowing children to determine their own specific needs and rights allowing them to grow into confident well nurtured young children, and creating a quality of life where they are valued by society and their peers around them. Te Whariki is also about the individual child (Ministry of Education, 1996) which is what each discourse is about, responding and looking at each child in a holistic