TEACHING TE REO TO CHILDREN

Start early. According to Kitty, brain connections that form the foundation of language are formed in the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

Be gentle with yourself. Don’t worry if you say a word in English before formulating what you want to say in te reo Māori. Children will hear the English first but, more importantly, they’ll grow used to hearing te reo Māori. Embrace books. Reading aloud to children is a gift in all languages.

Mix it up. Use a combination of karakia (ritual chants or prayers), waiata (songs) and kupu (words) in the home.