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. I brought a baby into night classes, pumped breast milk at noho marae, and bounced kids on my lap while writing aromatawai. I didn’t feel that full immersion education was the right fit for my neurodivergent kid.

Talking to kaiako who work in the immersion space, a common challenge is that many tamariki do not have te reo in their home environments.

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 need help to cover up-front costs to get this started. I am offering the play group at a per term fee to help cover costs, however, venue hire needs to be paid up-front. I am donating my time and planning to bring toys from my own house to use for the playgroup. Your donations will help ensure this playgroup can go ahead this term.

If you’re Wellington based and interested in joining, please see link below.