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Ministry of Education New Zealand
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Music can be enjoyable and soothing, and exciting and energising. 

Music is a great resource for creativity. It helps tamariki to develop: 

  • listening skills
  • concentration
  • coordination
  • cooperation
  • communication
  • memory.
Tip

Ideas for music equipment

  • Musical instruments that can be bought or home-made, from a range of cultures.
  • Digital devices like tablets or computers with a bluetooth speaker to access music in different cultures, styles and genres.
  • Items for dancing such as poi, lei, titi tōrea, scarves and streamers.
  • Natural resources like stones and sticks which can be used to make music.

Māori music traditions#

Kapa haka, waiata, oriori and mōteatea help tamariki express their identity as mokopuna Māori.

Waiata, haka and taonga pūoro | musical instruments have been passed down through generations. These traditions embed stories, histories, concepts and beliefs, often unique to iwi and hapū and reflect identity and language.

  • Waiata, oriori and mōteatea are available through Google, Spotify and YouTube.
  • Instructions for making poi are widely available. Remember to make them to match the small size of your child’s hands. Poi are associated with music, rhythm, singing and telling stories, like flying or paddling in waka.
  • Tītī tōrea | stick games can be used with music, singing and rhythm exercises. They help tamariki to learn about the sound and timing of clicking sticks together (rhythm).

Learning with music#

Music can help tamariki to:

  • express feelings through their voice and body
  • develop rhythm and harmony
  • be creative and have fun
  • recognise and enjoy sounds, instruments and different music
  • strengthen their links to whakapapa | genealogy and tīpuna | ancestors
  • value their own cultural music knowledge
  • participate in and appreciate the music of other cultures.

Support your tamaiti#

You can support your tamaiti | child by:

  • using your voice and body to sing and chant
  • responding when your tamaiti makes up their own songs and chants
  • dancing and moving to music with them, for example waiata-ā-ringa | action songs
  • playing instruments and using other musical equipment
  • making a wide variety of music available
  • providing opportunities for making music
  • singing and learning waiata Māori.
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  • Parents and caregivers