Te āhuatanga o te reo

Forms & Functions of Literacy

Children understanding cultural and social literacy forms and their uses, retelling and creating stories, and critically exploring diverse perspectives in texts.
sub area image
Top area icon

Revisit

This process is not an end-in-itself. It is important you continue to review your practices:
  • Re-look at lay the groundwork. How could you strengthen learning for all children?
  • Continue to notice & recognise the progress of individual children.
  • Keep adjusting how you respond to children’s progress based on what you notice.

Te āhuatanga o te reo emphasises literacy forms and their functions within te ao Māori and the roles they play in strengthening connections to whakapapa, knowledge, history, customs, and wisdom – connecting past, present and future. 

Learn more

Literacy extends beyond merely reading and writing; it encompasses knowing when and how to utilise different types and modes of text to participate in modern society. These forms and functions of literacy are culturally and socially determined. 

Learn more

The forms and functions of literacy contribute to all strands of Te Whāriki, providing children with the means to communicate, contribute, explore their world and beyond, develop wellbeing and a positive sense of identity.

Learn more

Kōwhiti Whakapae is built on four foundations: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, identity, language and culture, inclusion, and the principles of Te Whāriki. Together, these guide teaching and learning about the forms and functions for literacy.

Learn more