Learning sounds, letters and communicating in te reo Māori#

By the end of Tau 2 at kura, mokopuna can match spoken sounds (ngā oro) to letters (ngā pū) and form simple written kupu with support.

They can ask and answer simple questions using full sentences and begin to identify that different types of language, like instructions and stories, look different and have different jobs.

Kia tika#

By the end of Tau 2 at kura, mokopuna can understand that each oro has a matching pū, and that these form kupu with meaning.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Help mokopuna to connect spoken and written kupu Māori with fun listening, writing and reading practise.

Use flashcards with common kupu Māori (ko, te, he, kei, ki, au, koe, ia, noho, kai, moe, wai). Then:

• say a kupu out loud clearly (for example, moe)
• ask mokopuna to repeat it and listen to each sound – (m - o - e)
• ask, "can you write the sounds you heard?" and let them sound it out as they write it down – support them by slowly repeating the sounds if needed
• show the matching flashcard and ask, "does it look the same?", "can you read it out loud?".

Kia mārama#

By the end of Tau 2 at kura, mokopuna can ask and respond to simple questions.

Mokopuna are learning that instructions, questions, descriptions, and recounts each take different forms (language and presentation) and serve different purposes.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Help mokopuna to ask and answer simple pātai (questions) using full sentences.

Lay out 3 to 5 pātai cards. For example:

• "He aha te kai pai ki a koe?"
• "Ko wai tō ingoa?"
• "Kei hea tō whare?"

Take turns choosing a pātai and answering using full sentences. For example, "He āporo te kai pai ki ahau."

1. Use a pātai token to show whose turn it is to ask or answer.
2. Encourage mokopuna to return the question to build confidence in kōrero.
3. After answering a question, mokopuna ask the same pātai back to the adult or sibling.
4. Model and praise the use of full sentences in replies.
5. Keep the flow of kōrero going with turn-taking.

Make it fun with a whānau challenge. Set a timer for 3 minutes. How many questions and answers can you do as a whānau? Add your own questions to the card set using familiar vocabulary.

Kia arero taiaha#

By the end of Tau 2 at kura, mokopuna can share ideas, express needs, and describe simple events or feelings using familiar sentence patterns and vocabulary. They are also learning how to use tone, pace, and gesture to support their message.

Ideas for whānau activities#

You could:

• play "he aha tēnei?" with household items to encourage full-sentence responses
• practise mihimihi or pepeha at home to repeat and build confidence
• set a 2-minute 'kōrero time' at dinner where everyone says something about their day
• use gestures and expressions while talking to support understanding and expression
• encourage mokopuna to take turns asking and responding to questions.

Kia auaha #

By the end of Tau 2, mokopuna can experiment with creating short simple texts in te reo Māori such as short karakia or pepeha. They can understand the structure of language when composing something new and are encouraged to use their imagination and voice confidently.

They may use drawing, movement, and sound to support their reo Māori expression.

Being imaginative and expressive in te reo Māori#

Mokopuna compose short spoken or written pieces with support. For example:

• describing a whānau member
• retelling a pūrākau
• creating a short haka or waiata using known structures and vocabulary.

They also learn how to use language creatively to express what they are seeing, imagining, and experiencing.

Ideas for whānau activities#

You could:

• create a simple waiata together using familiar kupu and sentence starters
• retell a favourite story or pūrākau in te reo Māori using drawings or actions
• record mokopuna performing a short mihi or haka and watch it together
• use everyday materials to create props or puppets and tell a story in te reo Māori
• make up chants or karakia for daily activities, like getting ready in the morning.