Helping Kids Learn Te Reo Māori
As one of our three official languages (along side English and Sign Language), we feel it is important our kids learn Te Reo Māori both at school and at home. While there are many wonderful Te Reo Māori resources at preschools and schools, we thought that ones for using at home were rather limited – so we got this sorted.
At Squoodles, we are excited to bring Kiwi families a wide range of books, games and toys to help kids learn Te Reo Maori. We’ll also share some neat activities we do in our home too.
Activities & Resources to Help Kids Learn Te Reo Māori
When it comes to learning a second language, it’s been proven time and time again that children find it easier than adults. Unless you have been lucky enough to learn Te Reo from your family or at school, this gives us as parents a big disadvantage. To even things up, here are some neat activities and resources you can use with your children:
- Te Reo sight word games – using this handy Te Reo Māori online dictionary, add simple sight words to a snakes and ladder grid or bingo card. Play the games as usual, plus ask kids to translate or read the words aloud too. Our Moana Rd Te Reo Māori Memory Game and New Zealand Learning Flash Cards would be great to use too.
- Puzzles – we have a lovely range of wooden puzzles which help teach colours, native birds and the Maori alphabet. These are perfect for young kids to play with someone or independently.
- Stories – early on, try reading your child a story written in Te Reo Māori. As well as being an opportunity for your child to correct your pronunciation, it is a lovely bonding activity. We have a number of beautiful books to help kids (and adults) learn Te Reo Māori. They are also perfect to reinforce the learning your child is receiving at school or preschool too.
- In the classroom or at home – pop up some gorgeous Te Reo Posters as visual prompts for students or use a range of Magnetic Te Reo prompts on the fridge or whiteboard.
- Dinner time – take time to share the names of things and food that you are using/eating at the dining table, such as fish (ika), food (kai), cup (kapu) and kitchen (whare kihini).
We’d love to send you a variety of Te Reo resources to use at home, and with super-fast shipping, you’ll be able to begin playing with them quickly. If you are from an early childhood centre or school, these resources are also suitable for you too!
