A new early learning resource launched today called ‘Talking Together, Te Kōrerorero' will provide teachers, parents and whānau with practical tools and advice to better meet the needs of their children in their oral language development.

Talking Together, Te Kōrerorero aligns with the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa and consists of practical tools such as a book, self- assessment tool and intentional teaching practice cards.

Associate Minister of Education, Jan Tinetti says a strong base of oral language is vitally important for a child to build the rest of their learning upon.

'It is the foundation of children's future development, well-being and social outcomes – that's why we're focussing on the first few years, when children rapidly develop their language skills.”

'A rich oral language environment starts with adults actively engaging in conversations with children. Talking Together, Te Kōrerorero will help parents and whānau to support their child's learning and development, and promote effective teaching practices for teachers.

'Talking Together, Te Kōrerorero complements the distinctive character and values of each early learning service's community, which will help make learning fun and engaging for all tamariki.”

She says the programme provides information and practical tools for fostering rich oral language in English, understanding bilingual and multilingual pathways, and supports kaiako to integrate te reo Māori in early learning settings.

The oral language tools can support all the ways tamariki communicate, including through New Zealand sign language or communication assistive technology.

Jan says it was developed collaboratively by researchers, oral language specialists and kaiako and is designed for use in English-medium early learning services.

'At the point of starting school, children vary markedly in their literacy and language skills - that's why these resources can also be used by parents and teachers in primary schools to support the oral language development of new entrants.

'A child will struggle to learn to read if they don't have a strong grasp on their oral language. Talking Together, Te Kōrerorero is one way to equip teachers and parents to develop children's oral language skills, laying the foundation for learning to come and better educational outcomes in future,” says Jan Tinetti.