NZTC's Te Reo Māori Alphabet Magnets: Empowering international students and enhancing language learning

New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) has taken a significant step in supporting te reo Māori teaching and learning in the early childhood sector by launching alphabet magnets featuring the 10 consonants and 5 vowels of Te Pū Taka Māori (the Māori alphabet).

The magnets serve as a taonga (treasure) that provides opportunities for international students to weave te reo Māori into their teaching practice.

Former international student, Ramandeep Kaur, says the new resource helps create a strong foundation in the language, enabling children to expand their vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of te reo Māori.

Ramandeep Kaur

“I’ve recently started using the Māori alphabet magnets during mat times in my classroom, and I can say they are a fantastic way for the children to engage with te reo Māori in an authentic and interactive way.”

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) graduate says the colourful magnets encourage child-led learning, facilitate the sharing of new words, and foster language development through play.

I can really see children’s interest in learning with the magnets. I observed one of our tamariki, Kaia, standing up at the whiteboard and teaching the other tamariki te reo Māori with the help of the magnet letters. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, it was really amazing to witness!”

Kaur is excited to continue creating meaningful learning experiences for tamariki and foster a lifelong love for te reo Māori.