This term Tī Kōuka and Māhoe tamariki have been working hard learning new kupu (words) and building their oral language to recite their pepeha.

Over the past 7 weeks the tamariki have been participating in weekly Te Reo sessions with Whaea Nicole, with the support of Whaea Amber, Whaea Grace and Whaea Janetta. The tamariki have been playing kemu (games) and participating in different skill activities to build their vocabulary and are now able to present parts or all of their pepeha.

A pepeha is a way of introducing oneself. Using a set structure it identifies who we are, where we’re from and where we belong. Everyone has a pepeha which links them to their ancestors. It’s like a story that connects you to your iwi (tribe) and identifies important places like your maunga (mountain), awa (river) and marae (meeting grounds). At year 1, the tamariki have been focussing on their mātua (parents) and where they are from.

As well as working on their pepeha the tamariki have been learning 6 different whakataukī (proverb) and kīwaha (idiom/ saying), 4 karakia (prayer) and waiata (song). This link will take you to google slides where you can share this learning.

We are looking forward to being able to share the pepeha presentations with whānau soon.