Practical tools to get tamariki talking
A new early learning resource launched today will provide teachers with practical tools and advice to support the oral language development of tamariki.
Talking together, Te kōrerorero supports kaiako in early learning services to foster the oral language development of their tamariki by promoting effective teaching practices that will help strengthen the support they provide.
Associate Minister of Education, Jan Tinetti who launched the resource at an event in Wellington today says the resource will meet the diverse needs of all tamariki in their first few years of learning.
“A strong oral language foundation is vitally important for a child’s future learning, well-being and social outcomes, with research showing the early years are a critical time in terms of the rapid language development that takes place,” says Minister Tinetti.
“The teaching approaches incorporated in Talking together, Te kōrerorero are designed to be implemented through practices that reflect the distinctive character and values of each early learning service’s community. This will ensure learning is fun and engaging for all tamariki.”
The Ministry of Education’s Deputy Secretary of Early Learning and Student Achievement, Ellen MacGregor-Reid says the new resource, which aligns with the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa, will help ensure tamariki are gaining the essential skills needed to progress with future learning.
“We know that tamariki who develop strong oral skills at a young age are more likely to succeed in their future education, particularly in literacy, which is why it’s so important we get this right at a young age.”
“Talking together, Te kōrerorero will ensure kaiako in early learning services have the support and resources they need to foster the oral language skills of tamariki in their care.”
In addition to fostering the oral language skills of tamariki, Talking together, Te kōrerorero will support teachers to understand bilingual and multilingual pathways and how to integrate te reo Māori in early learning settings.
It was developed collaboratively by researchers, oral language specialists and kaiako and is designed for use in English-medium early learning services.
A hardcopy of the resource, including books, an oral assessment tool and intentional teaching practice cards will be sent to all early learning services and playgroups in March. A digital version can also be accessed online at Talking together | Te kōrerorero(external link)
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