In classroom music this week we have been celebrating Chinese language week and also New Zealand Sign Language week. Music is a very accessible way for children to actively learn new languages, and here is a list of songs that the children have been learning in class, but can now also access at home. These include songs from Maori language week too.

Maori / NZSL and Chinese songs

I have been so impressed with the enthusiasm that the children have shown with their singing of these songs. It was especially delightful this week to see how the Chinese children have been so proud to be able to sing songs in their first language.

Here is a video of some of the hive and Room 12 singing twinkle little star in Chinese:

Room 12 and the hive sing Twinkle little star in Chinese

Have a great holiday and enjoy lots of singing with your children. If your child has any favourite songs from their cultural heritage that they would like to share with their class, please send me a youtube link of the song, so I can include it in the classroom programme in Term 4.