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Special Mat time with Ngawai
Today, we welcomed Ngawai (Champ’s grandma), a Māori parent, for a special mat time at Stoddard. This was not just an opportunity for the children to learn but also a chance to foster a deeper connection with Māori culture, which is an integral part of our community.
Ngawai shared traditional stories and songs and brought a book called First Words in Māori to share with our tamariki. She also provided clay for making Matariki stars, which hold deep cultural significance. The children were captivated, engaging enthusiastically with the stories and activities.
This interaction highlighted the importance of storytelling in Māori culture, as it serves to pass down knowledge, values, and history from one generation to the next. By inviting families to share their cultural practices, we are building strong whānau relationships within our centre.
It is essential to acknowledge and respect the diverse backgrounds of our children and their families. This not only enriches our learning environment but also helps tamariki develop a sense of belonging and identity. The values of manaakitanga (hospitality), whanaungatanga (kinship), and kotahitanga (unity) were at the forefront of our mat time today.
These principles resonate strongly within our centre’s philosophy, and we are committed to creating a welcoming space where every culture is celebrated and respected. We are grateful to Ngawai for taking the time to share her culture with us.
This experience reinforces our dedication to cultural inclusivity, ensuring that every child feels valued and connected to their heritage. We look forward to more opportunities to celebrate the rich cultures represented in our centre.