Why do it?

  • Singing provides a rich experience — tune, rhythm, harmony, movement, language and culture — all enhancing the development of connections in baby’s brain.
  • Singing is also a fun way of repeating an experience, which makes brain pathways stronger.
  • Singing releases endorphins (‘feel good’ hormones), which benefit baby and whānau.
  • When whānau sing with baby it strengthens their relationship.

How to do it

  • Sing anywhere and anytime.
  • Sing in your family’s language(s).
  • Make up songs to accompany your daily activities — for example, you can sing a nappy-changing song to the tune of ‘Here we go round the mulberry bush’: ‘This is the way we… ‘change a nap’ ‘clean that bottom’ ‘put on powder’ ‘do up the flaps’ ‘have a cuddle’.
  • Try some finger rhymes — maybe you remember ones from your childhood? ‘Round and round the garden’ is an old school favourite.

Using more te reo Māori

Pārekareka Enjoyable, fun
Waiata mai Sing to me
Rehia Pleasure, amusement
Waiata Song
Rōreka Sweet singing, tuneful
Puoro Song, music
Waiatahia, paoa To sing
Toiere Singing
Ūngeri Rhythm, cadence
Reo niko Harmony (music)
Oriori Lullaby
Kanikani Dance
Waiata ā-ringa Action songs
Pakipaki Clap hands
Rangi Tune
Ringaringa Hand
Ngā matimati Fingers
Mānānana To wiggle
   
A ha ka ma Songs in 'Songs and Rhymes' section
AEIOU  
E rere taku poi  
E toru ngā mea  
E tū  
Haere, haere, hīkoi haere  
Ka mate  
Kōrero parirau  
Tō ringa ki roto  
Mā is white  
Mēnā harikoa koe, pakipaki  
Moe moe pēpi  
Motokā  
Motokā māwhero  
My little mokopuna  
Ngā Tamariki o Matariki  
Pipi manu e  
Pūrerehua  
Rakiraki  
Rere atu  
Tahi is one  
Tēnā koe  
Tirama, tīrama ngā whetu  
Titiro:Look  
Tohorā nui  
Tūtira mai ngā iwi  
Upoko, pokohiwi