Reo Tips
For those parents who are just starting out on introducing te reo Māori into their households check out the following link. Getting Started. For those that are down the track a bit and have started to experience some issues or challenging moments with their language development or with the whānau's attitude towards the reo check out the following. The Path Ahead.
If you can't find what you are looking for here or have a particular issue that you wish to get advice for try posting it on our Facebook discussion page see what advice other parents might have to give you.
Events
Follow this link for a list of up and coming events which promote and support te reo Māori.
Where to get Resources from
There are lots and lots of places where you can start getting resources for the kids to increase how much reo exposure they have at home and the great thing is that many of these are free. The more reo the kids have around them the more natural and familiar it becomes and the easier it is for them to learn.
In your Community
Libraries
Many of the community libraries have access to Māori language books and even CD's. If you can't find any on the shelves, ask your librarian and see if there is an interloan system. Interloans means that libraries can borrow from other libraries so if your library doesn't have any Māori language resources for kids, or you have already used the ones that they have check out what is available in other libraries and see if you can do an interloan. Some libraries do charge for interloans, but talk to your librarian and see what they can do for you.
Bookshops
If you are willing to spend money many of the big book shops and even the little ones have access to Māori language resources for all people. They might not have them on their shelves but ask to look at their catalogues and let them know what type of things you are looking for. It might simply be a case that they have to order it in for you. Ask also if they have mailing lists which you can be added to which let you know when new Māori language resources are released so that you can pre-order and get your copies before they get into shops.
Schools
Schools have a wealth of Māori language books and resources. The problem is most of the resources don't get used and end up sitting in resource rooms. Talk to your teacher and let them know that you are planning on using or introducing te reo in your home and whether or not you are able to borrow some of the schools' resources to support your children at home. Even by asking for a Māori language reader to accompany your child's English reader every night is a start. Again talk to the teachers and let them know what you are doing, it's a great source of support and the resources they have access to will be most beneficial.
Māori language groups
In some communities there are groups who are established to support te reo Māori, either teaching it or using it. Like kapa haka groups or even family or sports groups who are committed to learning and using the language. Get yourself and your family involved in these groups. Even if they aren't using the language 100% of the time, what they do use will increase your child's exposure to the language and make it easier for you at home.
Bilingual and Immersion Schools
Many schools now offer bilingual or immersion classrooms or units for tamariki. There are also Kōhanga reo, Kura Kaupapa and Wharekura which are Māori immersion schools. Check out what is available in your area as it might be an option for your children to further support them with what you are trying to do in the home. Be careful however not to leave this as your only way that you use or support the language growth of your kids. Research has shown that Māori children who come from supportive bilingual or immersion homes perform to a higher standard across all areas of the curriculum than those children that don't regardless of whether they are in immersion or mainstream education. The home needs to be the primary focus of Māori language use and regeneration. Don't leave the responsibility for this up to others.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and other iwi / Māori organisations
There are now many iwi who are developing Māori language resources or providing support or advice regarding Māori language for their iwi members. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is one of these. Try contacting your iwi and find out if they have anything that might support you and your family in the home.
In your home
Television
Māori Television and programmes which use te reo Māori are a great way for your kids to get extra exposure to the language. There are now cartoons, game shows, kids shows, documentaries and a whole lot more on offer to get your kids interested in te reo Māori. Even if the television is only being played in the background and the kids aren't watching it, it is a great way for the kids to hear the language and become familiar with it.
Māori radio
Listening to one of the many Māori radio stations is another great way to support your language growth. Most Māori radio stations proactively use te reo Māori as part of their broadcasts and some even have live te reo Māori lessons. If you don't get a Māori radio station in your area you can always listen to them via the internet live. Go to www.irirangi.net.nz
Internet
There is a growing wealth of information available on the net about te reo Māori. There are information sites, games sites, online dictionaries, interactive activities and much, much more. Check out our links section to visit some of these.
KMK Online Resources
Downloads
Visit our downloads section for books, MP3s (Audio files), games and more.
