Tātaiako with Kerri

Tātaiako

1. The different aspects of Tātaiako cannot be compartmentalised.  They have different definitions and influence the classroom, our practise and our learners in slightly different ways, but work simultaneously.
   
2. Tangata whenuatanga is Māori learners as Māori.  It is about contexts for learning where the identify, language and culture (cultural locatedness) or Māori and their whānau is affirmed.

In order to have these 2 over-arching concepts of Tātaiako explored, Whaea Kerri Sherard had us complete an oral activity involving unwrapping individual parcels of several layers.  This was to represent the 'onion layers' of a Māori student.

When we unwrapped the first layer we asked ourselves (and discussed):
How do you make new students to your class feel welcome?

Second layer

How do you communicate and make connections with whānau?

Third layer

How do you roll with relationships in your room?  What is the kawa?

Fourth layer

What are your success stories with relationships with children (perhaps your 'hard wax' kids?) 

When we finally reached the last layer of the parcel the prize was M&Ms to represent all the connections the children have to their past, present, community and future.

Sometimes you will be working with Māori students that have these connections within them (entrenched ideas of culture) but don't realise.  Our job is to bring this out in them.

Reflection

What I am doing that I want to keep:

• Introducing children to the classroom by using korus
• Weekly Tuesday transition visits
• Te reo commands
• Daily waiata
• Conversations about family and who we know in school
• Buddy class
• Whanau huis throughout the year

Things to introduce

• Drawing on whanau strengths and interests to have them in class.   Eg, Grandma likes gardening so bring her in to help with our garden.
• More streamlined Te Reo lessons for the children.