Waiata, rhymes and fingerplay Activity
Singing and playing with sounds is part the human experience. Singing to and with pēpi – anywhere, anytime – to support language acquisition and develop empathy while ‘feel-good’ endorphins are released, strengthening relationships.
Why do it?
- Singing provides a rich experience — tune, rhythm, harmony, movement, language and culture — all enhancing the development of connections in baby’s brain.
- Singing is also a fun way of repeating an experience, which makes brain pathways stronger.
- Singing releases endorphins (‘feel good’ hormones), which benefit baby and whānau.
- When whānau sing with baby it strengthens their relationship.
How to do it
- Sing anywhere and anytime.
- Sing in your family’s language(s).
- Make up songs to accompany your daily activities — for example, you can sing a nappy-changing song to the tune of ‘Here we go round the mulberry bush’: ‘This is the way we… ‘change a nap’ ‘clean that bottom’ ‘put on powder’ ‘do up the flaps’ ‘have a cuddle’.
- Try some finger rhymes — maybe you remember ones from your childhood? ‘Round and round the garden’ is an old school favourite.
Using more te reo Māori
| Te reo Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Pārekareka | Enjoyable, fun |
| Waiata mai | Sing to me |
| Rēhia | Pleasure, amusement |
| Waiata | To sing/song |
| Rōreka | Sweet singing, tuneful |
| Puoro | Music |
| Waiata | To sing/song |
| Toiere | To sing |
| Ūngeri | Rhythm |
| Reo niko | Harmony (music) |
| Oriori | Lullaby |
| Kanikani | Dance |
| Waiata ā-ringa | Action songs |
| Pakipaki | Clap |
| Rangi | Tune |
| Ringaringa | Hands |
| Ngā matimati | Fingers |
| Mānānana | To wiggle |
