Today our childcare centre participated in the Māori language moment to celebrate Māori language week along with over 1 million others in Aoteroa New Zealand! As it was lunch time with our tamariki, we used some phrases about kai, and then we all joined in singing a familiar song: Tirama, tirama nga whetu (https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=gImPymqf1tY). Here are some phrases that we use during our kai times. We invited whānau to use them with their children: Kei te hiakai koe? Are you hungry? Kei te pēhea tāu kai? What is your food like? He reka! Yummy! Kia pai nga kai! Enjoy your food! Kua reri te kai. Kai is ready. Here is another website where you can find some familiar songs and lyrics in Te Reo Māori and English for yong children: https://www. parentingresource. nz/songs-and-rhymes/ Kia kaha te reo Māori,