To celebrate Hindi Day, the teacher facilitated a special mat time where children were introduced to Hindi counting and learned popular Hindi rhymes. The children were excited to explore a new language, and this experience allowed them to develop language skills while appreciating cultural diversity. The teacher used visual aids, hand gestures, and engaging repetition to support children’s understanding of numbers in Hindi. They also learned simple rhymes that incorporated actions, making it interactive and fun. This experience connects to Te Whāriki’s Communication strand (Mana Reo), where children develop a sense of language through listening, speaking, and understanding. It also fosters the Belonging (Mana Whenua) strand by supporting children in understanding their own cultural identity and recognizing other cultures. The celebration of Hindi Day promotes inclusivity and allows children to recognize and respect different languages, which supports their emotional and social development.
Learningoccurred
Children began to recognize and practice counting in Hindi (1-10). They engaged in Hindi rhymes, which enhanced their listening, memory, and language acquisition skills. The activity encouraged curiosity about other languages and cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of cultural diversity. Children developed communication skills as they learned new words and sounds in Hindi, supporting their language development in a multilingual setting. By celebrating Hindi Day and introducing children to a new language, this activity ensures that all learners can participate in rich learning experiences. The teacher used visual aids, repetition, and gestures to ensure that language was accessible to all children, reflecting Objective 2’s commitment to equitable learning opportunities of NELP.
This experience was a valuable way to enrich children’s cultural understanding and language skills while aligning with the principles of Te Whāriki.