NZTC Lecturers share expertise at ECC National Conference

Hosted by the Early Childhood Council (ECC), the early learning community gathered last week for the annual ECC National Conference in Wellington. 

 

The two-day event, themed ‘Striving for Excellence’, consisted of engaging workshops, exhibitors and keynote speeches, with the aim to shine a spotlight on achieving success in early learning through building value and resilience. 

 

NZTC lecturers, Chelsea Bracefield and Krystal Taiapa shared their ECE expertise in their interactive workshop, ‘E ora ai te reo, me kōrero - So that the language thrives, let’s speak it!’. 

 

Bracefield and Taiapa were inspired to create and host the workshop after recognising the need for support and encouragement in authentically using te reo Māori with young children.   

 

“The kaupapa was all about helping kaiako gain confidence in recognising and celebrating where they started, where they are and where they are going in their personal and professional journey, and to help them value, prioritise and progress in their Te Tiriti-based practice,” says Bracefield. 

 

The session aimed to strengthen participants’ foundational knowledge of te reo Māori pronunciation and essential phrases within the ECE environment, and incorporated NZTC’s latest teaching and learning resource – te reo Māori alphabet magnets.  

 

Through engaging activities, attendees gained valuable tools, resources and direction to progress confidently in their te reo Māori journey.  

 

“The practice-based session reinforced the foundations of correct pronunciation and fundamental sentences for the ECE setting through connection to tangata whenuatanga (local curriculum/place-based knowledge) and Te Pū Taka Māori (Māori alphabet).” 

Taiapa says the conference provided a unique platform to spark conversations, share best practices and contribute to the ongoing advancement of ECE in New Zealand. 

 

“These professional development events are a great way to collaborate, challenge and celebrate what it means to be an ECE professional, as well as how we can make it even better tomorrow,” shares Taiapa.