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Tititorea at BestStart Petone
Recently in the Jungle, we have been making our own set of Rākau sticks which are traditionally known to be part of a Māori game consisting of the rhythmic throwing and catching of sticks (Tititorea or Te Rākau) from person to person. Traditionally boys and young men used this game to increase dexterity and alertness, while girls and young women were thought to benefit from increased skills for poi and dances.
Here in the Jungle, we have been teaching tamariki to use these within their own individual skill level and have adapted some of the actions until they are ready to coordinate the throwing and catching part. Using Rākau is an awesome way for us to explore numeracy, rhythm and pattern-making as we practice. A highlight of this has also been the eagerness of tamariki to want to perform in front of their peers using the stage in the wharenui - this shows some great confidence building as they encourage one another and watch respectfully.
We are so proud of ngā tamariki in the Jungle and how they are always willing to try new things and to persevere through challenges when things are a little harder than they appear. Hopefully, we will be able to do a whanau performance soon too!