Māori Language Playgroup launch

Help to make learning te reo Māori more accessible for tamariki and parents in Wellington region by launching a playgroup which meets three essential needs for language learning:

- A safe environment to learn

- A community to practice with

- A ladder to gain knowledge

Learning te reo as a parent, I had to make study fit around my kids. After I got the courage up to do full-time study, I brought a baby into night classes, pumped breast milk at noho marae, and bounced kids on my lap while writing aromatawai. We made the decision as a whānau that full immersion wasn't the best fit for our neurodivergent kid, but currently there are no other options for kids to learn more than isolated words and waiata with peers. I want to change that.

I’ve written a curriculum for teaching te reo in playgroup. My concept uses a big group small group structure to cater to a range of ages and ability levels. Parents and kids will explore toys and activities at their own pace, each of which will have a visual language prompt. Two small group circle times will be offered providing structure tailored to toddlers, and 4-7 year olds. I'm ready to play-test and adapt this curriculum to a real group of participants. I need help to cover the costs to get going.

Learning te reo Māori has so many benefits for tamariki and for parents. Cultural identity and belonging, strengthened whānau relationships, and improved cognitive functioning are just the beginning.