Speaking, writing, and understanding words in te reo Māori#

By the end of Tau 3, mokopuna can speak in full sentences, write neatly, and use increasingly precise words and sentence patterns for different purposes. They can use word parts like prefixes, suffixes, and roots, and know parts of speech like verbs, nouns, and adjectives.

Mokopuna will also be able to tell simple stories and share experiences. They are learning that talking, writing, and pictures help them learn new ideas and language.

Kia tika#

By the end of Tau 3 at kura, mokopuna can speak in full sentences, handwrite legibly and notice word parts and how words work together in patterns.

Mokopuna are learning how ngā oro, ngā pū, me ngā kupu work together to form meaning. They are also learning how letters, words, and symbols work separately and together and that symbols convey meaning.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Take turns telling stories about your childhood or whānau adventures and encourage mokopuna to retell the story in their own words.

To spark full-sentence responses, use open-ended questions like:

• "What do you think happened next?"
• "Why did they do that?"
• "Ki ōu whakaaro, i aha whai muri iho?"

Role play and pretend play

Set up a pretend shop, or wharekai. Encourage mokopuna to play different roles and speak in full sentences. For example, "he kaputī māu?"

Kōrero time

During dinner or car rides, play 'kōrero time’. Ask a fun question like, “if you had a magic power, what would it be?", “mehemea he mana tūmatarau tōu, he aha hoki tērā mana?”

Encourage them to explain their answer in full sentences.

Syllable clapping game

Say a word – for example, "kapu" – and clap the syllables together (ka-pu). This helps mokopuna hear how words are broken into parts.

Kia mārama#

By the end of Tau 3, mokopuna can identify and explain how kupu matua (base), kupu kūmua (prefix), and kupu kūmuri (suffix) build kupu. They can name and use different kupu mahi (verb), kupu ingoa (noun), kupu āhua (adjective) in their reading and writing.

Mokopuna are learning to notice and understand how different word parts work together to create meaningful words.

Ideas for whānau activities#

He whakapapa tō te kupu

Choose a favourite book or story. As you read, encourage mokopuna to find and underline words with prefixes or suffixes. For example, "whakahoki" – whaka (prefix) plus hoki (base word). Ask questions like:

• "He aha te kupu matua?" (What is the main word?)
• "He aha te kupu kūmua?" (What is the prefix?)
• "Ka rerekē te whakamāramatanga o te kupu ki te tāpiri he kupu kūmua?" (Does the meaning change when we add the prefix?).

On small cards, write:

• a list of common prefixes, for example, whaka-, whakaora, to make do
• a list of suffixes, for example, -nga.

Create a second set of main words (for example, mahi, mahi-nga). Have mokopuna match the parts and say the new word aloud.

Kia arero taiaha#

By the end of Tau 3, mokopuna can use clear pronunciation, speak confidently in familiar situations, and can adapt their reo to different audiences and purposes.

They can speak in full, meaningful sentences, express their feelings, and respond appropriately in everyday conversations.

They can also show awareness of conversational features, such as taking turns, clarifying meaning, and using tone and body language to support their kōrero.

Ideas for whānau activities#

You could:

• practise short mihi or pepeha together and add in new lines about pets, favourites, or weather
• set a challenge to use only te reo Māori for a set time – for example, 10 minutes of 'reo only' at dinner
• encourage mokopuna to describe what happened in their day or retell a story they heard
• use role-play (such as shopkeeper and customer) to practise natural conversation patterns
• watch a Māori language clip or show and pause to repeat or respond to the dialogue.

Kia auaha#

By the end of Tau 3 at kura, mokopuna can compose and perform short imaginative texts, retell local or familiar pūrākau, and share experiences using sequenced ideas and expressive language.

They can explore how stories can be told through oral, visual, and written forms. Mokopuna know that oral, written and visual texts are a source of new ideas, experiences and language.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Hanga pakiwaitara

Sit together as a whānau and take turns sharing simple, made-up stories.

Use prompts like:

• "He aha te kaupapa o tāu pakiwaitara?" (What is your story about?)
• "Ko wai ngā tāngata i roto i te pakiwaitara?" (Who are the people in the story?).

To add a fun twist, use props to act out the story.

After a whānau event – for example, a birthday, a hui, or preparing a hāngī – ask mokopuna to describe what happened in the correct order.

Encourage them to start with:

• "I tīmata mātou mā te..." ("we started by...")
• "I te mutunga..." ("at the end...").

Go for a hīkoi | walk in your local area. Afterwards, ask mokopuna to recall what they saw and heard. Encourage them to use time words like:

• "I te tuatahi..." ("first...")
• "ka mutu..." ("finally...").

Whānau photo story

Choose a family photo and ask mokopuna to tell a story about it. Encourage them to describe:

• "Ko wai kei te pikitia?" (Who is in the picture?)
• "I ahatia i taua wā?" (What happened at that time?).