Teachers seek to boost te reo Māori learning in early years

Teachers seek to boost te reo Māori learning in early years

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Early childhood teachers throughout New Zealand are being supported with free professional development opportunities to help them weave te reo Māori into children’s learning.

Over 35 Associate Teachers attended a professional development evening on He taonga: mō ā tātou mokopuna in practice at New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)’s Auckland Campus in July.

“Supporting treaty-based practices underpins our work not just as a college but also in the wider early childhood education sector. Children at this age are open and ready to learn about cultural and linguistic diversity and inclusion,” said Lecturer Chelsea Bracefield.

“The key to successfully implementing treaty-based practices is through practice and support. We support our ATs as we all learn together to benefit children, their whānau, our students and the sector.”

Attendees were supported with ways to use the college’s He Taonga Māori learning resource in their centres alongside the accompanying teaching and learning guide. Ideas from the resources were put into practice as the ATs took part in fun and engaging activities tailored to the early childhood education environment.

“The session was very informative and so well presented. I learnt a great deal that I can implement with our children and team,” said AT Carla Ornelas.

Until the end of July, NZTC is offering Te Reo Māori: He taonga mō ā tātou mokopuna - A Teaching and Learning Guide for a reduced price of $20.00.

Visit www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz/nztc-books to purchase your copy.