Ināinei

• We maintain a learner focus: Our tamariki only respond in te reo Māori when asked. 

• We are aware of what is happening for all learners: Most are whakamā to initiate a response

• We have an ‘inquiry habit of mind’: We had to find a starting point which started with a question - How can we enhance our tamariki's ability to want to respond or initiate conversations in te reo Māori?

• What do we assume? Te Reo Māori is spoken by both teachers throughout the day switching back and forwards to English during core subjects we assume that our tamariki ALL are engaged in understanding.

Ināinei:

• What were the possible causes for tamariki not engaging in conversations? 

Survey conducted was based on individuals comfortableness and interest. Data shows several obvious areas that has an impact on the tamaiti which has possibly lead to anxieties - Question 2 & 3 of survey

• How can we build trust with the anxiety so that the tamaiti can step forward. There are a number of reasons that help form these anxieties.  Our role is to have various approaches to building a stronger foundation for individuals. Having confidence first is essential. Tamariki need to be okay at being who they are. Our approach is teaching the tamariki that they are never alone. Their Tīpuna, Poutiriao and Wairua are with them always. We are normalising being okay to communicate with their Tīpuna, their Poutiriao and themselves.

Ināinei

• We continue to unpack the data from the survey. Our current focus is the wellbeing of how the tamaiti's journey to participates in te reo Māori interaction - to feel included, to have a sense of belonging, to have a sense of ownership. 

• What is a starting point that is currently accepted by the tamariki

"Ko au te Kaitiaki o te reo Māori" The tamariki are encouraged to take ownership of this whakatauki. Although some tamariki are whakamā. Praising is essential

• How do we feel about what we have found? Quite emotional. As adults we understand the pressure/fear of peers judging us.

• What will we need to explore further? There's no exploring we know the answer. It's what every tamaiti craves for - aroha, understand, inclusion, acknowledgement, patience and be able to 'forward teach'

• How close are we to help tamariki feel acceptance with te reo Māori? Difficult to measure, not everyone fits into the same shoes so it varies. Even the confident of kaea shows a fear unexpectedly. However, tamariki accept it is apart of being Māori, efforts are genuine. It is when they are among their peers that they become whakamā. 

Ināinei:

• What do we need to do and why? Provide daily opportunities /moments for our tamariki to experience aroha, understanding, inclusion, acknowledgement, patience and leadership-note: not every leader leads from the front

Mana o te Wairua - understanding that their Wairua has needs to allow them to be Pai. 

Mana o te Tangata - understanding that whānau, friends and people in general need their support. 

Mana o te Tīpuna - understanding that we come from a long line of knowledge who walk beside us everyday. 

Mana o te Ātua - understanding that part of our purpose in life is that we care for Te Taiao.

• Our five Matapono embrace all 4 pathways: Kaitiaki - Guardian, Kaiarataki - Collaborator, Kaitotuitui - Connector, Kanohi Mataara - Innovator, Kaimahi  - Navigator

Hihiratia te Haerenga: 

• What is happening as a result of our improvement actions?

Tamariki are/have learning/learnt that everyone matters-Wairua, Tīpuna, Poutiriao and our Ātua all matter. Tamariki when communicating with each other filter their words to ensure their message is received responsibly. Praising each other and celebrating success.

• What evidence do we have? 

The evidence is how the tamariki speak to each other, how the tuakana treat the teina and how the teina can go to a tuakana to support them. They will share their experiences of acknowledging our Ātua, our Tīpuna, their Whānau as well as know and do what is Pai for their Wairua.

• Which of our learners are/are not benefiting? We have new tamariki who need time and repetition of experiences of how we care and speak to each other-important that they have models daily.

• How do we know? These tamariki can/will revert back to a familiar behaviour that demonstrations exclusion

• Do we need to adjust what we are doing? At this stage lots of encouragement, praise and expressing appreciation for their attempts at believing in their own ability is required

• What are we learning? To maintain an awareness that each being comes with their Tīpuna, Poutiriao and Wairua. Words are used to uplift self-esteem and encourage inclusion, individualism & kotahitanga so choose carefully

• Can we use this learning in other areas? It is the foundation for all areas of learning.