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Waitangi Day at BestStart Taradale
In early childhood education, our bi-cultural emphasis is on partnership, providing opportunities for participation, and supporting the protection of Aotearoa/New Zealand's unique identity - including valuing tikanga (cultural practices), and te reo māori (the language) throughout our everyday teaching and learning.
For us in the Infant's and Toddler's Centre at BestStart Taradale, our Waitangi Day celebrations were about supporting the children's developing familiarity with the language, songs and symbols of the māori culture.
We made sets of poi - the māori word for “ball” on a cord. Many years ago, indigenous māori used these to increase their flexibility and strength in their hands and arms, as well as improving coordination. Now days, poi is an important way of celebrating, retaining and transmitting the life, customs and history of māori.
We have enjoyed learning the song ''E rere taku Poi". This traditional song teaches the children to swing their Poi up high (ki runga), down low (ki raro), and in and out (e rere waho, e rere roto) - enhancing their sense of direction, rhythm, co-ordination, and familiarity with the māori language.
We also made sets of rakau - wooden sticks used rhythmically and in time, during traditional māori songs.
The children really enjoyed exploring the use of these rakau. These rakau have provided lots of wonderful opportunities for the children to immerse themselves in traditional māori songs. They have also been great for supporting their body awareness and fundamental movement skills - such as hand-eye co-ordination, fine and large motor skills, rhythm, and perseverance.
We also got creative and expressive while exploring the symbols of our national flags. We used the traditional colours and got busy painting! Just look at us go!