C18 Acknowledging the special relationship with the Tangata Whenua through a Marae stay

As our curriculum states we need to acknowledge and embrace all diverse learners but in particular the special relationship we have with the Tangata Whenua (Maori).

http://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Principles/Treaty-of-Waitangi/About

I believe that I need to constantly be learning more about the special relationship that we have with Tangata Whenua and therefore I have actively engaged with local iwi and hapu to both learn and engage them in the education of our children.

For the first time this year I have helped plan and run a Marae stay for my class. The goal was to have students improve their Te Reo through an experience on a Marae. My students really enjoyed the opportunity to practice their Te Reo in an authentic context and to learn knowledge and skills. on the Marae from the locals and parents.  

Click here to access camp information and reflections from students on our class blog. Note the oral language links in the reflective documentary. 

Key learning outcomes. 

• Improved Te Reo through greetings, commands and Mihi
• Knowledge of protocols on a Marae, especially a powhiri
• Understanding the parts of a Marae
• Improved links to local myths and legends
• Learned and played Maori games

A number of parents accompanied us on camp, this was especially good for a new students and her mother to meet members of our school community and for the Maori students in our class who's parents took on mentor rolls and even ran workshops while at the Marae. 

Below is an email after camp from a new student's mother, camp really enabled her to connect with myself and our class community.