Poi & Waiata

Today I decided to bring the poi out again for the children to continue exploring. This time I added Waiata to this, we used the song 'E

Rere Taku Poi' and another poi song that followed. The children have obviously picked up on what poi are used for and when I tipped the poi into a pile on the floor the children all came over to me, they each chose their poi and then when the music started swinging and swaying their poi around. You can see that Molly has had lots of practice at this as she swings her poi around in a big circle in front of her. It was great to see her pick up on how the poi is traditionally used. I loved that later on in the video Molly used both arms to swing her poi up and down. Alex has not had as much practice with the poi but he soon picked up on what to do after imitating his friends and my own actions. Emma sat in the middle of the group on the floor right next to the poi and swung her poi around to the music of the beat. Emma has had lots of practice at this and is becoming very good at it. She knows what to do even before the music starts - fantastic! Charlotte knew what to do with her poi, but she also enjoyed observing her friends and how they went about using their poi. Sophia as usual enjoyed picking up all the poi in both her hands and then swinging them around. She held onto them with great skill and I can see that she really enjoys the times we all spend using poi. I loved how she swung her poi and turned round and round while listening to the music - too cute! Ryley hasn't been fully involved in the other times we have used poi but he also soon picked up on what to do. He was more interested in observing how his friends used their poi to begin with, but then got into the rhythm of it and had a great time. Cooper thoroughly enjoyed himself during this activity. He smiled and danced along to the songs while also swinging his poi with great enthusiasm. Ka Pai Cooper. Isaac has also not been involved in the other times we have used poi but soon picked up on what to do. He stood next to me and smiled away as he swung his poi with great force behind it. I intend on using poi frequently and now I have added waiata it has become a really nice way to not only enjoy music and movement, but also learn to value and learn about maori culture and te reo in early childhood. Te Reo has now become a 'living language' in Nursery Two which we would like to keep going as a part of Nursery Two.