Abstract
The use of Te Reo Māori in Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa New Zealand is mandated in the ECE curriculum. Research shows that picturebooks are powerful tools in language learning, but there is a lack of research concerning the use of bilingual picturebooks by whānau to support Māori language learning in a New Zealand kindergarten. This research presents findings from a 4-week programme in which five whānau members were introduced to several types of dual language picturebooks (Reo Rua Pukapuka Pikitia, RRPP) in a Puna Pukapuka Pikitia (PPP). Whānau explored RRPP and suggested how they could bring Reo Rangatira from RRPP into their homes to support language learning. Their suggestions aligned with Ellis’s principles of effective language teaching (Ellis, 2010) including the development of formulaic phrases, following the ways in which tamariki naturally learn language, encouraging opportunities for tamariki to speak and listen, as well as having interactions linked to RRPP.