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Hauora Happiness!
We will continue to develop our Te Reo and Tikanga Maori by providing fun games where teachers and children learn together. Below is our new Te Reo Maori game that we have just introduced. Children first sit in a large circle, I have made flash cards with pictures and the Maori word on them, these are placed in the middle of the circle. We discuss the pictures and pronounce the Maori word, then one child gets to skip around the outside of the circle while we all sing “Child’s name, is off to learn Te Reo Maori, Name, is off to learn Te Reo Maori, what word will she/he choose?” The child then gets to pick a card, showing all his friends and with my support he says the English and Maori word. Every child gets a turn at choosing a card. This has been such a fun and successful way to learn more Maori words and I am impressed with how fast our children are developing their Maori language. This game has given me and our children more confidence to try more challenging words and phrases. Below are a range of dispositions that this play links to:
Whakawhanaungatanga is inclusive and works collaboratively, is relationally connected to people, places and things.
Whakahihiko hinengaro is curious, playful and creative.
Te tuakiri o te tangata is reflective and responsive.
It is important to continue to learn Te Reo me nga tikanga because in early childhood we recognise the significance of Article Two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The language, customs, cultural values and the history of Maori are the heritage of all New Zealanders
Toi te kupu The stronger the language
Toi te mana The greater the prestige
Toi te whenua The mightier the nation