Using te reo Māori, understanding words, and finding reliable information#

At Tau 4, mokopuna can use a growing range of multi-syllable and subject-specific kupu in their writing. They are learning that te reo Māori has rules, patterns, and consistent sentence structures that help them communicate more clearly and effectively in writing and speech.

Kia tika#

By the end of Tau 4 at kura, mokopuna can make near-correct attempts at using words with multiple syllables in their writing.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Help mokopuna identify and write words with 2 or more syllables.

Name an object

Choose an indoor or outdoor space and hunt for objects. Ask mokopuna to say the object's name aloud and clap the syllables. For example, nohoanga – "no-ho-a-nga" – is 4 syllables. Then, write down the word and count how many syllables it has.

Learn words through waiata

Encourage mokopuna to recognise and write words with multiple syllables through waiata. Pick a favourite waiata and find multi-syllable words in the lyrics. Then:

• sing the words slowly and clap each syllable
• write the words down and decorate them with drawings.

Write longer words

Strengthen writing with longer words by using a fun writing challenge. Choose a 'Kupu o te Wiki' with 3 or more syllables. Each day, mokopuna write a sentence using that word. Celebrate their effort by sharing their sentences.

Use sentences that describe what something is like or how someone is feeling instead of what they are doing (stative sentences). For example:

• Kua pau te kai.
• Kua oti te mahi.
• Kua mahana te rā.
• Kua mutu te kēmu.

Conjunctions:

• Na, tēnā, kātahi ka, ā, engari.

Kia mārama#

By the end of Tau 4 at kura, mokopuna have a selection of strategies to derive meaning from new words when reading.

Mokopuna are learning to evaluate whether information is reliable, and are beginning to distinguish between fact, opinion, and inaccurate ideas when reading or listening.

Ideas for whānau activities

Share stories, or pūrākau and explain the meanings of specific words or phrases within the context of the pūrākau by:

• encouraging mokopuna to ask questions about new kupu
• inviting kaumātua to share stories or personal anecdotes with mokopuna, particularly ones that contain rich vocabulary
• explaining the meaning of certain words and helping to build connections
• reading with mokopuna and pausing when a new kupu appears
• discussing the kupu meaning by looking at the sentence structure and the context in which it is used.

Questioning:

• He aha i pērā ai…?
• He aha i … ai?
• Nā te aha i pērā ai?
• Nā te aha i … ai?

Kia arero taiaha#

By the end of Tau 4, mokopuna can confidently speak in te reo Māori using a wider range of sentence types and vocabulary for different contexts. They can take part in longer conversations, express opinions, and adjust their tone or language to suit the situation and listener.

Ideas for whānau activities#

You could:

• encourage mokopuna to give their opinion and explain why – for example, about kai, games, or weekend plans
• ask them to retell a conversation they had at kura using te reo Māori
• practise how they might speak differently to a kaumātua, a kaiako, or a hoa
• watch or listen to a te reo Māori video or podcast and pause to discuss what was said
• create a list of polite phrases they can use in kōrero with others.

Kia auaha#

By the end of Tau 4, mokopuna can use te reo Māori to create short compositions texts for different purposes, for example to tell stories, express feelings, or share ideas. They can organise their thinking clearly and use language that brings their message to life when speaking, writing, or performing.

They can use expressive language to show feelings, tell stories, or persuade, and are growing confidence to perform using voice, movement, and visuals.

Ideas for whānau activities#

You could:

• support mokopuna to write and perform a short mihi, poem, or whakataukī
• ask them to retell a pūrākau in their own words using te reo Māori
• encourage creative storytelling using puppets, drawings, or actions
• help them prepare a short script or role play to present to whānau
• record a short video of their performance to celebrate their reo and ideas.