Kapa haka
Kapa haka is a great way to strengthen a child's brain and body, as well as giving them huge enjoyment.
Being involved in kapa haka is described in Whakatipu booklet Te Pihinga 3 (page 20) as a great workout for a child’s brain and body.
Ask the whānau:
- How do you think kapa haka works out your pēpi’s brain and body?
- What do you think the value of kapa haka is for your pēpi?
Haka can help with co-ordination, rhythm, counting, socialising or being part of a group and following instructions, and it can also be for pure enjoyment.
A kapa haka group’s performance can include a wide variety of carefully choreographed performances involving waiata, dance and musical instruments.
There are several references to kapa haka in Te Pihinga 3:
- ‘I love my waiata … Pukana! Pukana!’ (page 16)
- Tāne-rore – the god of haka and performing arts (page 19)
- Kapa haka (page 20)
- ‘Ka mate! Ka mate!’ (page 21)
- ‘Haka time’ cartoon (pages 24, 25)
Look at any of these with the whānau. Ask them about their experiences with haka and have a kōrero about it:
- Has pēpi experienced kapa haka?
- Have they tried to copy it?
- How do you think your pēpi could be involved?
Whānau might enjoy watching some of the many kapa haka video clips available online.
How does this relate to Tākai resources?
Baby wall frieze – Waiata mai – sing to me
Six things children need – Te tūāpapa mō te tika me te hē – limits and boundaries – Six things children need
Helpful resources for whānau
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Ministry of Education: Music and waiata play ideas
Children are born into a world of sound and movement. Music helps their intellectual, imaginative, emotional, social and cultural growth.
