Maori Language
Today we finished our Mihimihi unit for Maori.  I was pleased with the way the children were engaged and willing to learn Te Reo.
I do not have anyone in my class who identifies themselves as Maori which I find really interesting.  I think this is the first time is has happened in any of my New Zealand classrooms.  That aside, the children embraced their learning and had already been exposed to the language before. We learnt  a new song for greeting others in Maori which we enjoyed.
I am writing this blog, because I want to reflect how I can make the integration of the Maori Language less tonkenistic (if the that is even a word.)
I have tried this year to dedicate a specific area in the classroom for Maori language and I am trying to use it more often.  I also need to work on the pronunciation of some of my words.
So for now I hope to greet the children in Maori, use simple commands, do the sign of the cross in Maori and teach the children some songs in Maori.
I also intend to teach the children about Matariki so that they have an understanding of the Maori New Year and the importance of the land to the Maori people.
I read a couple of articles on  hereoora.tki.org.nz.  
I was pleased to note the following as I can see from here where my strengths and weaknesses lie in this area.

The key features of a communicative approach include:

• introducing te reo Māori in contexts that are relevant to your learners
• providing plenty of opportunities for practice
• encouraging your students to interact with you and with each other, initiating language as well as responding to it
• letting the language of classroom management become a major part of your learners’ initial communicative repertoire (that is, understanding your instructions in Māori, making requests in Māori, and asking for help in Māori)
• building your students’ confidence in using te reo Māori so that they feel encouraged to communicate in it
• providing regular feedback to your students on their growing ability to communicate in te reo Māori.

I think I am conscious of introducing and using Maori in relevant context eg using simple commands and greetings.  A weakness would be

• letting the language of classroom management become a major part of your learners’ initial communicative repertoire (that is, understanding your instructions in Māori, making requests in Māori, and asking for help in Māori) and also I need to be mindful of providing more opportunities for practice.