We celebrated Samoan Language Week with parents and whānau at our centre, creating a week of culture, connection, and shared learning. This year's theme encouraged tamariki and whānau to be proud of their language and grounded in their identity.
Following a Healthy Heart approach, we made the traditional Samoan panikeke recipe with tamariki and their whānau. The children helped measure, mix, and prepare the batter. Cooking together supported early mathematical concepts, listening and following instructions, and fine motor development through stirring, spreading, and pouring. We then enjoyed sharing the warm panikeke together as a community.
Throughout the week, tamariki practised Samoan dance steps, with parents from many different cultures joining in to share and learn together through music and movement. A reliever teacher who is part-Samoan taught the song Si Manu Laitiiti, which both tamariki and kaiako thoroughly enjoyed. This waiata has now become part of our daily mat time, helping to keep the Samoan language alive in our everyday routines.
Our learning environment encouraged tamariki to dance, paint the Samoan flag, and enjoy meals together. Painting the flag provided a meaningful way for children to connect with Samoan heritage, culture, and community values. Dancing supported the health and wellbeing of both tamariki and whānau through body movement, or gaioiina o le tino. Movement, music, and shared joy created opportunities for mindfulness, lifted energy levels, and strengthened everyone's sense of belonging.
Ngā mihi,
Dikshika Aggarwal