Mokopuna literacy success markers#

By the end of Tau 8, mokopuna can read complex texts fluently, use correct spelling and macrons, speak coherently, understand and use complex vocabulary, identify key ideas with evidence, and edit their writing for clarity and sense.

Kia tika#

By the end of Tau 8, mokopuna can read longer books smoothly and with confidence, spell words correctly, and use macrons or double vowels to show the correct Māori sounds.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Whakatotoro rerenga kōrero – sentence stretch challenge

Start with a simple sentence (for example, “I rere te manu”, “The bird flew”), then take turns adding more detail to make it longer and clearer.

Together, write it down, check the grammar, and correct punctuation, such as commas and full stops.

This supports:

• sentence structure
• detailed language
• correct grammar
• punctuation awareness
• teamwork
• confident communication.

Rīpoata o te wīkene – weekend report remix

Ask mokopuna to give a quick report about their weekend.

Record or write down exactly what they say.

Read it together, then improve it by adding detail, fixing grammar, or changing casual words to more formal language.

This supports:

• clear speech
• full sentence structures
• formal and informal language use
• editing skills
• vocabulary development
• confident communication.

Kimi kupu – Word parts detective

Choose a tricky word, like whakatipuranga | generation or whakateka | unbelievable, from kura or a book and break it into parts together.

Talk about what each part means, then find or create more words using the same parts.

This supports:

• understanding complex words
• prefixes and suffixes
• root word knowledge
• vocabulary growth
• word-building confidence
• reading comprehension.

Kia mārama #

In Tau 8, mokopuna can break words into smaller parts to help with tricky words, speak clearly in full sentences, find the main ideas when reading, and check and improve their own writing.

Ideas for whānau activities#

E kōrero ana ahau ki a wai? – who am I talking to?

Give mokopuna different situations, such as talking to Nan, a friend, or their sports coach, and ask them to convey the same message in different ways, such as casual, formal, or polite.

Try writing or acting out short skits using different speaking styles.

This supports:

• speaking to different audiences
• awareness of formal and casual language
• confidence in conversation
• listening skills
• understanding how language changes based on the audience.

Meka matua – main point detective

Watch a short news story, read a book or article together. Ask mokopuna: “He aha te take matua?” | “What’s the main issue?”, “He aha ngā meka i kōrerotia? | “What are the facts given?”, “He aha ngā kupu hou i kitea, i rongohia?” | “What new words were found or heard?”, “He aha ngā tikanga o aua kupu?” | “What’s the meaning of those words?”.

Try writing a short summary with a heading and paragraphs.

This supports:

• identifying key ideas
• understanding supporting details
• building vocabulary
• paragraph structure
• reading comprehension
• clear writing.

Kimi kupu tīwhiri – word clue hunt

Read a book or article with mokopuna and pick a tricky word they don’t know.

Ask them to guess its meaning using clues from the sentence.

Talk about whether the word has more than 1 meaning, or where you might find it, for example in a story, speech, or instructions. Keep a 'new word journal' to record the word, its meaning, and an example sentence.

This supports:

• vocabulary growth
• word meanings in context
• critical thinking
• recognising different text types
• building reading confidence.

Kia arero taiaha  #

By the end of Tau 8, mokopuna can share their ideas clearly, listen to others, ask what others think, and join in conversations. They will also know how to speak in a way that others can easily understand.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Taka te kapa – idea circle chat

Sit in a circle or at the table and choose a topic (like “tō tino kai” | “your favourite food” or “he hararei pārekareka” | “an enjoyable holiday”).

One person shares their idea, then others thank them, share their own ideas, ask questions, or add to the conversation with their own thoughts.

This supports:

• clear speaking
• idea sharing
• active listening
• building on others’ ideas
• asking thoughtful questions
• confident conversation.

Kupu huri rauna – one word round

Pick a topic (like kai, mōkai | pet, or hākinakina | sport) and go around the group, with each person saying just one word that connects to the topic. After a few rounds, explain why you chose your word or ask others about theirs.

This supports:

• clear thinking
• listening to others
• sharing ideas simply
• making connections
• building confidence to speak.

Tāpiri atu ki te pūrākau – add to the story

One person begins telling a short story with a single sentence.

Each person takes a turn adding a sentence to keep the story going.

Encourage clear speaking and building on what others say, so the story flows smoothly and makes sense. Make the game fun!

This supports:

• speaking clearly
• listening carefully
• idea building
• teamwork
• making conversation flow.

Patapatai – question time

Have a casual chat about a fun topic (like “tō tino kiriata” | “your favourite movie” or “he wāhi rongonui” | “a well-known place”).

After someone shares their idea, the next person must ask a question about it before sharing their own thoughts.

This supports:

• asking thoughtful questions
• listening actively
• speaking clearly
• sharing ideas
• keeping conversations going.

Kia auaha#

In Tau 8, mokopuna can use new sayings, describe how things look, taste, or feel, talk about topics in different ways, draw their ideas, and even make up their own words.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Whakataukī o te rā – Māori proverb of the day

Pick a whakataukī or kīwaha to explore each day or week.

Talk about what it means and how it connects to your whānau. You can draw it, act it out, write a story or poem, or use it in conversation – even in a letter to Nan!

This supports:

• using new sayings
• exploring ideas in different ways
• creative thinking
• visual learning
• oral language
• building confidence in everyday kōrero.

Hīanga tairongo – senses scavenger hunt

Go for a walk or explore your whare and find something that smells strong, feels smooth, looks cool, or makes a sound. Draw it, describe it using 2 senses, and make up a fun new word for it, like “kakara-pakara” or “rongonga-reka.”

This supports:

• describing with the senses
• creative thinking
• drawing to express ideas
• playful language
• vocabulary growth
• confidence using fun new words.

Toi Kupu – picture my words

Choose a kīwaha, whakataukī, or fun new word together, like harikoa | happy or pukumahi | busy. Mokopuna can draw a picture that shows what the word means or how it feels, then share or act it out for the whānau.

This supports:

• understanding new words
• expressing ideas through drawing
• creative thinking
• using language in different ways
• building confidence in oral language.

Waihanga waiata – make up a song

Pick a simple topic, like kai | food, ngā tohu o Tāwhirimātea | weather, or “E pēhea ana koe?” | “How are you?”, and help mokopuna make up a short song, chant, or rhyme. Encourage them to use fun, made-up words and describe how things taste, look, or feel in their song.

This supports:

• creative language use
• new vocabulary
• playful word invention
• describing with the senses
• oral language skills
• presenting ideas in different ways.