Te Reo Maori Waiata

I introduced three Te Reo Maori songs to our tamariki about three weeks ago. The children have been practising and practising the words and the tunes at group times, before kai and spontaneously through the day. The three songs we have been singing are "Tapa toru, tapa wha", "E noho, E noho" and "Tahi, rua, toru tamariki". These are small action songs with a funny tune, and are easy to learn.

Today, Jessie was taking group time, singing the new songs with the children, and I recorded all their wonderful singing. Tapa toru, tapa wha is the song that they have really got the grasp of quickly. Isaac and Eneri quite enjoy the tahi rua, toru tamariki. I often see Eneri really focusing on counting with his fingers as well as singing. Sophia, Kian and Sarah have got the hang of Tapa Toru tapa wha, and are confident in singing the words and making the shapes with their hands at the same time.

Here are the words to the songs, so please feel free to practice yourself or with your children, or even join in when you are hearing us sing these at KIDSPACE.

Tahi, rua, toru tamariki

Tahi, rua, toru tamariki

Wha, rima, ono tamariki

Whitu, waru, iwa tamariki

Tekau nga tamariki e

E noho Tamariki

E noho, e noho, tahuri te waka

E noho, e noho, tahuri te waka

E noho, e noho, tahuri te waka

E noho! Tahuri te waka

Tapa toru, tapa wha

Tapa toru, tapa wha

Tapa toru, tapa wha

Tapa toru, tapa wha

Porohita nui

(To the tune of 'happy birthday to you')

Ainslee