Bilingual, Bi literate

In this episode we cover:

• There are huge benefits in using any other language with your pēpi.
• It’s important to know the huge benefits for the brain in being bilingual.
• As a Kāi Tahu whānau member, if your pēpi is able to understand any te reo Māori it really reinforces their identity.
• As soon as the child has a second language they develop an understanding of the difference between the two languages which directly enhances their intelligence – this understanding is called meta-language.
• The only way you can learn another reo is by being brave, taking risks and getting it wrong.
• It takes bravery to stumble through and use the language when you don’t have confidence in it so push past the whakama, feel the fear and do it anyway!
• Even if you only have a little bit of te reo Māori – use it with your pēpi because the benefits to their brain are huge.