Exploring local history is one way schools can connect to the new Aotearoa New Zealand histories curriculum. Ako caught up with two Auckland schools who are uncovering local history right under their feet.
Many schools and ECE centres already use Aotearoa histories as a powerful tool to engage tamariki in learning. Personal stories of migration are at the heart of it.
Tae atu ki ēnei tau tata nei, he rautaki a te kāwana kia whakawarewaretia āna ake mahi tūkino ki a ngāi Māori. He aha ngā whakaaro o ngā kura Māori e hāngai ana ki te whakaakoranga o ngā kōrero tuku iho me ngā hītori o Niu Tīreni?
How early childhood centres are weaving past into present to grow tamariki to be confident in their identity and belonging.
Our local communities are rich sources of history and support but building these networks takes time, effort and dedication. Ako finds out how one Kāhui Ako is
connecting with local iwi and sharing knowledge amongst member schools to build understanding, connections and tikanga.
In interviews with practitioners Ako asks how kaiako can prepare for difficult conversations in the classroom that might arise when teaching Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories.
Liana MacDonald discusses how mainstream New Zealand society resists difficult knowledge about the past both at sites of historical colonial violence and through mundane interactions between teachers.
What has climate change got to do with teaching our past? NZEI Te Riu Roa Communities Organiser Conor Twyford discusses how, in order to navigate well into our collective future, we need to clearly understand our past.
I’m excited to be sharing this histories issue of Ako with you, focussing on the challenges, impact and importance of studying our past.