Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Use of Te Reo
During our staff meeting (Septemeber 7th 2010), all staff were asked if they could bring in a bicultural resource to share. I brought in a book I had aquired a few years ago titled 'Tangaroa's gift', a New Zealand story of how the paua got it's colours. This book was written in both Maori and English, showing Maori as a text and reinforcing it's value. Having our discussions about the use of Maori in everyday situations made me think though. I do use simple words and phrases, but it is has always been a part of me and where I am from. I do need to keep in mind that not everyone has the same advantage of being exposed to the culture and language in the same way that I was, and I need to be more overt with the knowledge I have. One goal I have set myself is to write up some simple words and phrases in both English and Maori to share with staff in my room, and begin to make some displays for the room and changing room to encourage more natural use of Te Reo.
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3 comments:
Rebecca thank you for sharing your resource during the satff meeting- and in turn reflecting how you can authentically incorporate te reo Maori into your every day interactions with children.
Using your knowledge skills and most importantly confidence to model the use of te reo will be great to capture.. maybe on video? or in a reflection from a teacher who values your modelling of te reo. all of which will be great additions to your collection of data.
Ka pai to mahi-
Joann
I have been feeling a little slack lately, but today I borrowed the te reo dictionary. I still use te reo Maori everyday, but hadn't gotten around to writing phrases to assist others and to make it visible in the room. I do intend to do this, but often I struggle with making the time to do it. What I started today was a folder on my computer desktop into which I will type out the words of waiata which I can then format and print out to laminate and create a song booklet. These songs can then either use our room's toys as props or else be action songs.
Caught a glimpse of your te reo creaping into the room on the 'old laddy who swallowed a fly' wall display. Where you have included the names of the animals and insects in Maori- Ka pai. Its the inclusion of small meaningful steps that make using te reo authentic rather than tokanism.
Ka pai to mahi.
Joann
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