“Māori Language Week is a wonderful chance to celebrate te reo Māori with our tamariki. Through songs, stories, and simple phrases, we can build confidence and joy in learning the language together. Even small steps, like greeting each other with ‘kia ora’, make a big difference in keeping the language alive.”
Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o te Reo Māori) is a special time to celebrate and encourage the everyday use of te reo Māori, one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s official languages.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity to introduce preschoolers to simple words, songs, and activities.
Easy Ways to Celebrate with Tamariki
- Start with simple greetings – Encourage children to say kia ora (hello) and ka pai! (well done).
- Sing a waiata – Songs are a fun way for children to learn and remember new words.
- Use printables and flashcards – Colours, numbers, and feelings in te reo Māori are great for matching games and mat time activities.
- Read stories – Choose picture books that include Māori words to bring the language into everyday reading.
- Involve whānau – Encourage families to use one or two new words at home during the week.
Free Printable for Māori Language Week
To help you get started, we’ve created a set of free Māori Colours flashcards.
Download your free Māori Language Week flashcards here
By using te reo Māori in small, meaningful ways, we can help our tamariki grow up confident and proud of Aotearoa’s language and culture.
Preschool Fun with Face Masks
Character role play engages children’s imagination while teaching emotional and social skills. Free printable face masks enhance pretend play, allowing kids to explore various roles. Through role play, children develop language, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Creating themed environments encourages deeper learning about emotions and cultural awareness, enriching their creative experiences.
Animal Walk Cards: Fun Movement and Imagination Play for Preschoolers
The Animal Walk Cards are a fun, engaging resource that encourages children to inventively move like various animals. This activity promotes gross motor skills, imagination, self-regulation, social interaction, and language development. Ideal for classroom or home use, these cards facilitate joyful play while enhancing physical and emotional growth in preschoolers.
10 Social- Emotional Activities for Preschoolers
Social-emotional learning (SEL) fosters preschoolers’ emotional intelligence, confidence, and empathy through engaging activities. Ten suggested activities include using flashcards for emotions, mindfulness techniques, crafting gratitude projects, and reading emotionally resonant stories. These interactive methods promote vital skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship-building, ensuring children develop lasting social-emotional skills.
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