Celebrating Tongan Language Week

At Uxbridge we have been celebrating Tongan Language from the 4th-8th of September.  The children enjoyed creating art inspired by turtles. We learnt that Fonu is the Tongan Word for turtle.  

Ephemeral art was also a favourite as we drew a turtle outline the table for the children to collaborate and use natural resources, such as shells and rocks.

  

 

   

We made some special Tongan Fans. We don't need them here in NZ at the moment but in Tonga it can get very hot. Check out the children taking ownership of their own designs.

Amelia spent a long time perfecting her fan.

A very proud Mason! 

Frank learnt how to put the little bits of paper around the edge of his fan. He said, " This is going on the fridge!"

Tyler wrote his own name as his design.

Jack learnt how to use the stapler!

Matthew shows his finished fan!

We also experimented with tapacloth, with different dyes, making Tongan designs.  

The children loved drumming to the Tongan beats inside and outside in the sunshine. 

"Every language is a beautiful melody that deserves to be celebrated and embraced"(unknown)