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Embracing Te Reo Māori at BestStart Bader Street

At BestStart Bader Street, we enthusiastically celebrated Māori Language Week, aligning with the theme "Kia kaha te reo Māori" - Stay strong Māori language. These language weeks are a wonderful opportunity for children from various ethnic backgrounds to take pride in their cultural identities and reconnect with their ancestors and heritage. The Māori language holds a pivotal place in Māori culture, shaping participation and identity, and contributing significantly to New Zealand's broader cultural fabric.

In the infants' room, waiata, or songs, took center stage, with little ones learning te reo songs, actions, and engaging in waiata practices. Teachers organized a creative activity where children crafted bookmarks bearing their names, adorned with Māori patterns, symbolizing the rich tapestry of Māori culture and identity within the room. In our preschool, the exploration of planets tied into the room's theme, with teachers displaying planets in te reo and delving into their diverse names. Our incredible preschoolers learned new te reo Māori words and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in various cultures, heritages, and languages.

Māori Language Week is a concentrated celebration and advocacy effort for te reo Māori, playing a crucial role in ensuring its continued vitality as a dynamic and living language.