This video is based on He Pī Ka Rere, Toi Tangata’s under-fives movement programme run through kohanga reo. He Pī Ka Rere uses the traditional movements of pūngāwerewere (spiders) to inspire tamariki to be active.
Source: Ministry of Health
transcribeTranscript
Video title: Sit Less, Move More, Sleep Well: Pungawerewere
[Maia sits at the top of the slide in the school playground]
Kia ora koutou ko MAIA ahau!
My name is MAIA and we are going to explore how we can move like Kaitiaki or guardians.
We are going to explore the ngahere or forest which is the realm of Tāne Mahuta to find a connection to movement through some of his descendants.
Who is Tāne you might be thinking?
[Graphic showing the different things Tāne is the lord of]
Tāne or Tāne mahuta is lord of the forest and all its creatures, in particular birds, lizards, insects and trees.
[Maia is in the forest]
Now that we know who Tāne is let's start by acknowledging Tāne through a karakia.
[Words to the karakia appear on the screen]
Whāia, whāia, whāia te uru tapu nui a Tāne, Tāne te Wānanga, Tāne te toko i te rangi, Tāne te atua o te ngahere.
Haumi e, Hui e, Taiki e.
Now that we've acknowledged Tāne, let's see how one of his descendants - the pūngawerewere - moves.
[A pungawere (spider) climbs up the tree]
What is a Pūngawerewere?
Pūngawerewere are spiders.
In many stories in Te Ao Maori the Pūngawerewere was a guardian but there are many other stories the Pūngawerewere was also feared.
[A split screen shows Kimiora on the right and Werewere on the left]
My friends Kimiora and Were are going to show us how we might move like a Pūngawerewere.
Kia Ora kōrua!
Are you ready?
Ka pai!
Toru! Rua! Tahi!
Tīmata!!
[Kimiora and Werewere move like spiders]
Kia kaha! Whakamuri!
Ka rawe!
Well done!
[Maia is back in the school playground]
And thats how you move like a Pūngawerewere!
Kakite!
Key points about keeping your preschool child active
- activity is just as important for your baby as it is for older tamariki
- by helping your baby, toddler or young child to get active, you help them to learn and grow
- getting enough sleep each day is also really important for your preschooler
- sleep is good for your child's physical, emotional and social development
Why movement and physical activity is important for preschool children
Tamariki learn from movement and physical activity. Movement is important for your young child's healthy brain development. Your child's early experiences of movement and physical activity can help them develop the skills, attitudes and confidence to be active throughout their life.
Resources to help you encourage activity in your preschool child
The Ministry of Health has developed some resources to support active play in tamariki under 5.
Ministry of Health resources outlining the importance of limiting and reducing the amount of time spent sitting. They encourage moving more throughout the day through regular play, and ensuring tamariki under 5 get the right amount of sleep for their age.
