To introduce the phrase, we started with a fun interactive session. Students listened to a short story (Kei te pēhea koe? By Tracey Duncan) where the characters greeted each other using Kei te pēhea koe? and responded in different ways. We practised answering with various emotions such as kei te pai (I’m good), kei te hianoe (I’m sleepy), and kei te pōuri (I’m sad). The tamariki loved acting out these emotions, using their faces and body language to match the words!
To reinforce their learning, we used picture cards showing different emotions and asked the students to pair the correct phrases with the pictures. It was amazing to see how quickly they picked up the responses and how much they enjoyed speaking in Māori.
In addition to our classroom activities, we practised a waiata that Matua Grant had introduced at Kapa Haka the previous week which had “kei te pehea koe?’ as part of the lyrics. Singing together helped the students remember the words while having fun.
We also had classroom discussions about why it is important to ask people “kei te pēhea koe?” and brainstormed ideas about what we could do if someone at school was sad or lonely.
What does “Kei te pēhea koe” mean? How are you feeling?
You are seeing if they are alright
When you see a person with a sad face or an angry face it would be a good time to ask them “ke te pehea koe”
It would be a good idea to ask someone walking by themselves in the Maze
If they are not feeling pai, you can do something funny to make them laugh
If they are sad you can be their buddy to play with
Since embarking on my teaching journey in 2017, I've found profound joy in shaping young minds, guiding them to explore their interests and embrace their curiosity. As a teacher, I've had the privilege of witnessing the spark of discovery ignite within my students, and it's a feeling that never loses its magic.
Balancing my role as an educator with being a wife and mother to two wonderful children has been a rewarding challenge. When I'm not in the classroom, I cherish the moments spent walking my dog, finding solace in the simple rhythm of nature. However, it's the quality time spent with my family that truly rejuvenates me, particularly during our visits to my husband's family in Israel. These journeys have not only enriched our cultural understanding but have also provided us with lasting memories.
My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing children's innate curiosity. I strongly believe that by encouraging their interests and supporting their questions, we foster a love for learning that transcends the classroom. It's remarkable to witness their eyes light up as they uncover new ideas and concepts.
In essence, teaching isn't just my profession – it's my passion. Guiding children towards realising their potential and fostering their inquisitiveness brings a deep sense of fulfilment. As I continue on this journey, I look forward to many more years of inspiring young minds and creating a positive impact that extends far beyond the classroom walls.
Comments
No one has commented on this post yet.