Growing language and communication#

In Tau 10, mokopuna continue to learn to use subject-specific words and complex sentences, communicate effectively, understand different types of texts, and explore creative ways to use language when speaking, writing, or presenting.

Kia tika#

Ideas for whānau activities#

Whakatika kōrero – whānau writing fix-up#

Find an old story, message, or school task your mokopuna has written, or write a simple one together, like, “I haere tātou ki te papa tākaro. I harikoa tātou.” “We went to the playground, we were happy.”

Take turns reading it aloud and improving the sentences by adding detail, fixing punctuation, and trying new sentence types like questions, exclamations, or a formal version.

Finish by asking an open-ended question to grow the idea, like “Kātahi anō tātou ka aha?” “What did we just do?”.

This supports:

• clear communication
• sentence variety
• editing skills
• confident speaking and writing
• creative thinking
• staying on topic.

Whakawhiti rerenga kōrero – sentence switch-up#

Start with a short sentence like, “I hoihoi te auau a te kurī.”, “The dog's bark was loud.”

Take turns swapping words, adding detail, or changing the sentence type. Make it a question, exclamation, or more formal. For example, “He aha i kaha ai te auau a te kurī?”, “Why was the dog’s bark loud?”, or “Te hoihoi hoki a taua kurī!”, “What a loud dog that is!”.

This supports:

• sentence variety
• using grammar accurately
• building vocabulary
• clear communication
• confident speaking
• writing.

Whakamārama tere – quickfire explainers#

Choose a simple topic like your favourite kai, mahi pārekareka | entertainment, or mōkai | pet.

Mokopuna gives a short, clear explanation in 30 seconds, using full sentences and correct grammar.

Repeat with a more formal version for an adult or teacher.

This supports:

• concise speaking
• grammar accuracy
• clear explanation
• adapting language for different audiences
• building confidence.

Tuhinga tōtika – clear message challenge#

Mokopuna writes a short message, email, or note (for example, to a friend or teacher). Together, review the message so it is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. Practise rewriting it to make it sound more formal or detailed if needed.

This supports:

• writing clearly
• editing for sense and grammatical accuracy
• adapting language for different situations
• building strong communication skills.

Kia mārama#

In Tau 10, mokopuna are learning to understand different types of texts like stories, news articles, and speeches. They will also be able to create their own writing, presentations, or creative work to suit different situations.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Kimi taitara – headline hunt

Pick a text together like a Māori news story, children’s book, or hōtaka Māori poto | short Māori programme.

Talk about the message, who it’s for, and what words or images help get the point across.

Mokopuna creates a new title, heading, or caption. Try a formal version and a funny one! 

Ask thoughtful questions like, “He aha koe i whiriwhiri ai tēnā kaupapa?”, Why did you choose that topic?” or “He aha anō tētahi ara tuari i te kōrero nei?”, “What’s another way of sharing this discussion?”

This supports:

• understanding how texts communicate
• using headings and captions
• asking thoughtful questions
• using creative language
• audience awareness
• clear communication.

Kia kakama te whakarāpopoto – speedy summary

Read a short news story on Te Ao Māori or Waatea News, a story, or a social media post together.

Mokopuna summarises the main message in 1 or 2 clear sentences. Try repeating it formally for a teacher or kaumātua, or casually for a friend.

This supports:

• understanding different texts
• summarising key ideas
• adapting language for different audiences
• building confidence in speaking and writing.

Tīpako pūtake – pick the purpose

Choose a text together, such as a Manu Kōrero speech, an advertisement, or a blog post.

Talk about why it was created, to inform, persuade, entertain, or share an opinion. Mokopuna then create their own short version for the same or a different purpose.

This supports:

• recognising different text types
• understanding purpose
• creating texts
• using language creatively
• audience awareness.

Paki whakaahua – picture to story challenge

Find an interesting image from a school magazine, book, or online.

Mokopuna makes up a short story, news report, or social media caption inspired by the picture.

Try creating different versions, like formal, casual, or funny, to suit different situations.

This supports:

• creative thinking
• understanding text types
• building language for different situations
• confident speaking and writing
• storytelling skills.

Kia arero taiaha#

In Tau 10, mokopuna are learning to share their opinions clearly and back them up with facts or examples. They will also know how to communicate in different ways and respond appropriately in different situations.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Taputapu māku ake nei – opinion object challenge

Everyone picks an object from around the house, like a pillow, spoon, or pen.

Take turns explaining why your object is the most useful, giving at least 2 reasons.

Say your opinion in different ways, for example, to a teacher, to a baby, and to a friend.

Listen to others, ask questions, and share your thoughts on whether you agree. Bonus round: Vote for your favourite reason and explain why.

This supports:

• clear opinions with reasons
• adapting language for different people
• listening respectfully
• building confidence
• sharing ideas
• using creative communication.

Ka whakaae, ka whakahē rānei? – agree or disagree?

Choose a fun topic like “He pai ake te raumati i te makariri”, “Summer is better than winter” or “He mōhio ake ngā kurī i ngā ngeru”, Dogs are more intelligent than cats.”

Mokopuna share whether they agree or disagree, giving at least 1 reason or example.

Try saying it casually, formally, and in a funny way. Others can share their views too.

This supports:

• clear opinions
• using examples
• adapting language for different situations
• building confidence
• respectful discussion
• critical thinking.

Wānanga take – topic talk

Pick a random topic, like hangarau | technology, hākinakina | sport, or your favourite kai.

Mokopuna share their opinion with 1 or 2 facts to support it. Then, they practise saying their opinion to different people, a teacher, a kaumātua, or a friend.

This supports:

• clear speaking
• backing up opinions
• audience awareness
• building confidence
• flexible communication
• respectful conversation.

Kōrerohia atu – express it your way

Mokopuna shares an opinion about something they care about, like saving the environment or a favourite sport. They explain why, with facts or examples, then present it in 2 ways, as a short speech and as a creative slogan or poster.

This supports:

• expressing opinions with evidence
• clear communication
• creative language use
• adapting for different situations
• building confidence
• presenting ideas effectively.

Kia auaha#

In Tau 10, mokopuna are learning to choose their words, gestures, and expressions to suit different situations. They will also explore different types of texts, including stories from their own area, and develop their own style of speaking, writing, and presenting.

Ideas for whānau activities#

Māra kupu – word garden

Take a walk around your whare or backyard and choose 5 things you see, like a flower, chair, pet, or colour.

Take turns describing each one using as many interesting words as you can, like “He tino whero, he ngāwari ngā raupua o te putiputi.”, “The flower petals are bright red and soft.”

Together, create a rhyme or playful sentence about one item and draw a picture to match.

This supports:

• creative language use
• growing vocabulary
• playful rhyming
• describing with detail
• confident speaking
• making words fun.

Mātai whakaahua – describing detective

Pick a whānau member, pet, or favourite place but keep it a secret.

Take turns describing it with fun and interesting words without saying what it is, like “Te tangata tāroa e kaha ana ki te katakata.”, “The tall person who laughs a lot.” Others guess what you’re describing. Turn your clues into a short poem or rhyme for extra fun.

This supports:

• creative thinking
• playful language
• descriptive vocabulary
• building confidence
• speaking clearly
• enjoying words in unique ways.

Kōrero āhua – style switch challenge

Choose a short message, such as inviting someone to a party or sharing exciting news.

Mokopuna say or write the message in different ways, formally for a kaumātua, casually for a friend, or creatively like a poem or slogan. Talk about which style fits best for each situation.

This supports:

• choosing words and expressions to suit different people
• building confidence in speaking and writing
• exploring creative language
• understanding how to communicate clearly in different ways.