The ENGAGE Programme takes this further by showing the importance games can make as a catalyst for developing self-regulation skills needed to navigate successfully through life.
My proposed project outcome is to create an online platform to connect our Māori and Pasifika whanau with the Engage programme that our schools are incorporating into their daily curriculum.
However, Leaupepe (2011) indicates through her research into Pasifika Perceptions of Play that the above common viewpoint may not a Pasifika viewpoint. Her paper illustrates the perception of play can sometimes be seen as inappropriate and taking children's time away from more productive activities like helping around the house. Contribution/ service is a hugely important value in Pasifika cultures.
If this is the case then will whanau see the value in the ENGAGE programme, and be willing to learn more about it through the proposed website?
To gain further insight into a Māori and Pasifika view regarding play I meet with Maori and Pasifika teaching colleagues using the Pasifika method of Talanoa.
My Colleague Talking From a Māori Perspective:
"Games are viewed as learning- you are learning as you play, through play learning is achieved. Maori believe should be enjoyable because through play learning is achieved.
What memories do you have of play as a child?
"Marbles, pūrerehua, ti rakau, poi, spinning top hit with a harakeke, pole with ropes like a swing, kōruru (cow knuckle bones), and calabashes,"
What games do you play as a family at home? Are they different from when you were a child?
"Video games, more electronic games. The Whakawhanaunga, the intimacy, wairua, the spiritual connection has been lost. It is missing, noho ngātahi (being together as one)"
What are the positives about helping your child learn at home?
"Whakawhanaungatanga , spiritual connection. We are very kanohi ki te kanohi."
Two Of My Colleagues Talking From a Pasifika Perspective
Some families are strict and children have to do what they are told to do. Others allow for time to do something and spending time together as a family and play.
Traditionally games are competitive... egg and spoon races, sack races.
The conversation turned to opportunities and challenges of sharing the ENGAGE programme with families and expecting them to implement the games at home.
It was mentioned that it can be difficult to have the drive, and daily routines and there is the distraction of social media e.g.facebook, this takes time away from spending time interacting with children. They said that there is the risk that they will say they will do things that the school recommends but in reality when they get home it probably won't happen.
School is school, and home is home. It is polite to say the right things and families don't necessarily say what they think. When discussing ways of sharing... Culturally, if it is fun families will come especially if it is something simple ..... food and their children performing.... bring families in to share.
My Reflection after meeting with colleagues:
- It is important to value Whakawhanaungatanga and embed this value throughout the process and within the prototype.
- Include Maori games such as ti rakau
- Incorporate competitive games
- Students demonstrate games as an incentive for parents to connect.
- Launch an online platform through a celebration for our Pasifika community, sharing food and cultural performances.
References
Bruce, T. (2001). Learning through play: Babies, toddlers and the foundation years (pp. 112-124). London: Hodder & Stoughton.
Leaupepe, M. (2011). Pasifika perspectives of play: challenges and responsibilities. Peer-Reviewed Paper: Vol2, Num4-March 2011, The University of Auckland.
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