Culturally Responsive Practice Essay

From the Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi teaching we understand that there are many teaching dispositions which related to how we can improve in the quality of teaching and effective learning. Culturally responsive and relational practice is one of the important one which is mentioned strongly in the Te Whāriki. It is also one of the most well-known practice in New Zealand. Furthermore, collaborative practice is another useful disposition to improve our teaching quality. Collaborative practice not only happen within the teachers but also the families of the children and the centre. These practices are very important and it will help and guide us to success in this career.

Culturally responsive and relational practice: From the Te
Gay (2010) defines the culturally responsive practice as teaching to and through personal and cultural strengths, their intellectual capabilities, and their prior accomplishments and as premised on close interactions among ethnic identity, cultural background, and student achievement. As the teachers teaching in the learning centres, it is our responsibilities to treat Māori children equally and fairly to other children. There are several ways which we can reach this goal. First of all, we can engage with all the children as well as their whānau using the Māori language in the centre to build a strong relationship. Our responsibility here is to stay connect with children’s family and be able to let them know we care about them. Secondly, it is a good idea for teacher to include Māori language into the daily activities, songs and posters. Ministry of Education (1996), states that during the research period, it became obvious that singing waiata seemed to be the most effective method of teaching Te reo to both children and teachers. Furthermore, to discover the true meaning of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi can help us to understand the Māori cultural and its history. Moreover,