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Samoan language week celebration
Samaon language week – Vaiaso o le Gagana was marked in at BestStart Lambie from 31st May to 4th June 2021.
The week was full of learning opportunities for our tamariki supported by teachers. The week began with provocations set by teachers such as making Samoan flag, singing, and dancing on Samoan songs, decorating the rooms. The toddlers learnt about making “lei” with paper which was building their fine motor skills while threading their straw and flowers. The tapa designs were recreated with paint thought screen printing by pre-schoolers. The babies were involved in making Samaon crowns with feathers and flowers.
We were really well supported by our whanau who opened their wealth of knowledge to embrace the Samoan culture and tradition. A grandmother “Anne” of Meshach came to teach Samoan song “Savalivali means go for a walk” with actions. The dance moves were practiced and enjoyed by our children. Liam’s father contributed artefacts of the culture which were displayed in the room respectfully for children look at and understand their purpose. There was “Siapo” (traditional Samoan bark cloth) and “Ula fala” (necklace) displayed for the whole week. We spoke to children about artefacts in mat time and described their use. The parents of Ruhhiyyah came to cook cocoa rice, a sweet delicacy of Samoa which added value to our food list.
The teachers and children wore traditional Samoan printed clothes to embrace the culture on Friday, 4th June creating the island atmosphere with laughter and colours.