Te Pòkaitahi Reo Màori - 2022

As part of a personal journey looking into my heritage, I decided to embark on learning Te Reo Maori. I enrolled at Toi O Homai in the Level 2 Te Pòkaitahi Reo Màori. Throughout the 12 month course, my comfort zone was invaded numerous times with having to speak, not only in front of other people, but in a different language. We learnt basic sentence structures, everyday words and phrases, waiata, karakia, and tikanga and kawa.

Alongside this particular course, I also followed Scotty Morrisons "Maori Made Easy" series. I listened to lessons in the car while travelling, used the reo in class when asking or giving directions, and also ran staff PLD sessions to help my team embrace the language with more confidence. With the knowledge gained from both programs, I have started putting together resources for use at school and shared with other teachers.

The course has helped me to be more aware of my pronunciation, how to say short basic sentences, and has continued to fire up my want for learning more about my heritage. During Matariki of 2022, I taught my class more than the cluster of stars, but continued our Whakapapa journey by looking into the Whakapapa of Papatuanuku and Ranginui. This helped my students to see the connection between what I was learning, what I was teaching them about themselves, and the connection back to Te Ao Maori.

One thing I know I really need to focus on is continuing to use the Reo in everyday situations - home, school, etc. Because if I don't, then this journey would have been a waste of time and my knowledge and confidence will be lost.