Lunch read and feeds with ākonga

Every lunch read and feed a selection of students/ākonga head to either Year O, 1, 2 or 3 to read with a buddy. This is the tuakana-teina model. Tuakana-Teina is a traditional Māori cultural philosophy and practice; literally referring to the relationship between an older and younger sibling, or close family members like cousins. It is when an older or more expert tuakana helps and guides a younger or less expert teina.

These buddies are chosen to be supported by their older student with their reading. The younger ākonga really look forward to these sessions and are incredibly disappointed when their buddy is away.

Deanna - "I like how it helps me learn and help me to write better"

Emily - "I like how they teach us how to read. My buddy is really nice"

Aubree - "I like my buddy because he likes reading with me."

Cora - "I like how we can read with our buddies. I like reading with someone"

Sonah - "I like to write with my buddy because they make me happy."

Adan - I like seeing the kids. I feel proud and I like to entertain the kids. i don't want them to feel sad or bored and I try to make reading fun for them.

Soham - The thing I enjoy is that I am happy to teach the kids spelling and how to write.

Noah - I enjoy connecting with the little ones such as Deanna as whenever she see me she will come for a hug and ask when the next buddy reading is happening. She will not leave without an answer. Cora has grown in confidence with me.