Learning sounds and letters in te reo Māori#

Mokopuna learn to hear and tell apart the sounds of te reo Māori. They also start to understand that letters represent sounds and that letters, words, and symbols work together to share meaning.

Kia tika#

By the end of their first 6 months at kura, mokopuna can hear, imitate, and tell apart sounds in te reo Māori through play, interaction, and listening to others.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Hear and say

Support mokopuna to hear and imitate the sounds in te reo Māori clearly. Pick a short word in te reo Māori (for example, rākau, noke, pāua) and then:

• say the word slowly together, stretching out the sounds (for example, rā–kau).
• ask mokopuna to repeat or copy each sound and then blend them back together
• use toys or pebbles to represent each sound and line them up as you say them.

Encourage sound awareness through songs, rhythmic chants, and repeated words in books.

Sounds and words

Play a 'same or different sound' game by:

• saying 2 words aloud (for example, keke and kete)
• asking mokopuna, "does this sound the same or different?"
• celebrating correct answers and talk about the sounds that changed.

You can also try fun word pairs like:

• nana – ngana
• kōrero – kōwhai
• māra – para.

Make a 'sound treasure box' by:

• finding items around the house that start with the same sound (for example, mīraka, māhita, māripi)
• asking mokopuna to name each item, listening carefully to the first sound
• putting them in a box and label it with the letter and sound (for example, 'm' – mō mīraka)
• adding photos or drawings for each sound and making new boxes over time.

Kia mārama#

Understanding what words and sounds mean#

By the end of their first 6 months at kura, mokopuna can recognise familiar words, expressions, and sounds in te reo Māori. They show understanding by turning toward voices, smiling, copying actions, or reaching for objects when named. They start making connections between what they hear and what it means, especially when it relates to people, routines, and things they see around them.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Listen and look

You could:

• name people and things around the whare in te reo Māori while pointing to them, for example, ko māmā tēnei, he rākau tēnā
• watch how mokopuna respond, they might smile, reach, or turn to look
• repeat the same kupu in the same situations to strengthen recognition.

Say and show

You could:

• use picture books with clear images and name what you see in te reo Māori
• encourage mokopuna to point or reach when they hear a kupu
• pair kupu with gestures or objects, for example, moenga – pat the bed, wai – offer a sip.

This supports:

• comprehension
• word-object association
• attention
• routine-based understanding
• early vocabulary awareness.

Kia arero taiaha#

Using te reo Māori to communicate#

By the end of their first 6 months, mokopuna can use facial expressions, gestures, tone, and early sounds to express themselves. They may vocalise when happy or upset, copy sounds they hear often, and use reo-like babble to connect with others. These are all important first steps in communicating in te reo Māori.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Copy and kōrero

You could:

• copy sounds, expressions, and gestures that mokopuna make, then wait and see if they respond
• repeat simple phrases like "kei te pai koe?" Or "aroha mai!" with expression, or a hug
• use voice and expression to show emotions clearly such as happy, surprised or tired.

Turn-taking

You could:

• take turns making sounds or using hand gestures during play
• use routines like dressing or feeding to pause, ask a question, and wait for a sound or gesture in return
• say simple sentences as you go, like "kei te hiamoe koe?" Or "ko wai tēnā?".

This supports:

• social connection
• turn-taking
• sound experimentation
• expressive communication
• emotional connection.

Kia auaha#

Creating and experimenting with language#

By the end of their first 6 months, mokopuna begin tocan  play with the sounds, rhythms, and intonations of te reo Māori. They experiment with babbling, mimic sounds or songs, and show joy through voice and movement. They’re beginning to explore how reo can be fun, expressive, and creative.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Waiata and rhythm

You could:

• sing simple waiata with actions such as Pakipaki, Tēnā koe
• use homemade instruments, tap spoons or clap to play with rhythm
• repeat sounds with playful voice, "pē, pē, pē! Ka pai!".

Sound play

You could:

• create sound patterns or rhymes using the name of mokopuna – "Ari, ari, ā!"
• make up little chants for everyday tasks like changing nappies or getting dressed
• use silly sounds or expressions in te reo Māori and watch the reaction of your mokopuna.

This supports:

• creativity
• sound awareness
• rhythm
• joyful engagement
• early speech development.