Rich language experiences are an important part of our curriculum at Howick Kindergarten. We’ve been celebrating New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week by empowering children to explore new ways of communicating.

Teacher Emily introduced NZSL through a much-loved rhyme—”Old MacDonald Had a Farm”—and invited the tamariki to learn the signs alongside the song. As we prepare for our Mother’s Day celebration this Friday, the children have also been learning to sign “I love you, Mum” and the beautiful song “Love Is Something If You Give It Away,” which they will perform at the Mother’s Day concert.

It has been heartwarming to see the passion and enthusiasm from both kaiako and tamariki on this learning journey. We’ve all felt a strong sense of empowerment and inclusion as we explore how to communicate using our hands and gestures.

One of our AKA whānau members from another kindergarten generously created a free teaching resource for signing **“Old MacDonald”—**a wonderful example of collaboration and shared learning across our wider learning community.

How lovely it is when everyone is in the same waka (boat), paddling forward together!