The main goal of Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori is to revitalise the Maori language, which is an official language of Aotearoa (New Zealand).
This week also serves as a cultural celebration offering learning around Maori heritage and traditions.
Different ways that we can support Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori is by learning basic phrases, incorporate these into daily life, engage in activities, sing waiata (songs), and learn about the Maori culture.
Tamariki from all of our rooms learnt through our Localised Curriculum about significant landmarks of our area, including the history behind each landmark. We also explored maihi toi (art), rakau sticks, baking to share with others, purakau (storytelling) of Taniwha and making their own taniwha. A highlight was Whaea Tash teaching our tamariki Maori tai chi and mau rakū.
These are just some examples of the fun learning opportunities we enjoyed at BestStart Dixon Heights during te wiki o te reo Maori.
Friday was dress up day, where we had some wonderful dress ups to represent Te Wiki o te Reo Maori Day. Overall, a fantastic week of learning new things for some tamariki, and upskilling some learning for others.