To celebrate Māori Language Week, we have been doing many learning experiences for children to learn about Te Reo and Māori culture.
The most important is to provide the opportunities for tamariki to understand the importance of Māori culture in Aotearoa. Our babies loved to listen to Māori waiata while our toddlers and preschool children experienced some Māori art activities such as pattern painting.
The children also listened to the Māori stories to gain insight into Māori culture. All of our children experienced Māori cultural dancing. The teachers also intentionally use Te Reo through their daily teaching practices not only just during Māori language week. The teaching team also strengthened their Te Reo and developed their understanding of Tikangha to ensure we respect Māori beliefs and values. Bicultural teaching practices are an essential part of our teaching philosophy at Best Start Beach Haven.
We align with the Treaty of Waitāngi at Best Start Beach Haven to ensure we treat each other equally and respectfully regardless of our age, gender, culture, and religion. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini! Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community/a team to enable an individual's success.