LATEST STORIES
Our 3 languages, Sign, English and Te Reo
A parent’s voice. As I sat and watched Jenny interact with the tamariki at Daycare with her amazing books “Korero Mai”, I watch my two girls Addison (4) and Tennielle(17mths). You see, this is who our girls are, this is their culture. They both have hearing aids and are learning to sign. Addison really loves to sing and learn Te Reo Māori and both children are of Ngāti Ranginui descent. She has as well her English language which she has naturally learnt since birth. When both my girls were born, we found out they had a hearing loss, so when they were 3 months old, they were fitted with hearing aids and this enabled them to hear significantly more. As their parents we wanted what was best for our children so having a Centre that embraces and supports my girls through their wellbeing, by encouraging the use of sign, Te Reo and English, has been something that has helped us as a whànau and made us feel included. Having someone like Jenny Chapman who has embraced New Zealand’s three official languages and written books to help whànau to Kòrero Mai together, has been truly amazing. Jenny coming into the Centre has increased the confidence and feeling of acceptance of my girls.
A childs voice. Addison watched and participated while Jenny was interacting with the tamariki so excited about having someone there who was signing. Addison said “I can sign elephant mum, that’s my favourite”. Addison signed her name to Jenny too. Tennille put her hand to her head signing and saying “dad” “dad”.
Jenny’s voice. It was such a pleasure coming in to share my books with such enthusiastic tamariki! What a privilege it was sharing NZSL with 2 hearing impaired children and their friends! It was also awesome seeing how much Te Reo Māori the children are naturally using. What an awesome centre. Thanks you for having me! Ngā mihi nui, Jenny Chapman."
Centre’s voice. We had a very special visitor come to Topkids Lynmore. Jenny Chapman and her beautiful girls brought her trilingual books. We had a lovely mat time with Jenny signing with the children and reading the stories both in English and in Te Reo Maori. I felt very privileged to have her here with us at Topkids Lynmore. It was a wonderful experience for our children. And I also would like to thank Tess for making this happen and sharing this special mat time with your beautiful girls.