Concern for students inspires safety book

SAFETY FIRST: The launch of a book titled He Rahui about health and safety in and around Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Wairarapa that was written by teacher Pania Reiri-Smith from her own experiences. Pictured with Mrs Reiri-Smith are students in her full immersion te reo Maori class, Kadyn Lee Webster (left), Parehuia Davidson and Reihana Winitana. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

A Masterton teacher has launched a Maori language book on schoolyard danger zones - inspired by her own experiences - that is in demand at schools across New Zealand.

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Wairarapa teacher Pania Reiri-Smith wrote the book titled He Rahui (restricted zones), after starting as a teacher at the school about two years ago, when she saw "the number of small children who would run in every direction at the sound of the bell".

"They had no understanding of their safety, this was a real concern for me as I was their new teacher. I knew these areas were unsafe for my class, but they didn't," she said.

"After the first term, I had new students and I had to repeat the process. It was essential so the tamariki know the areas they are safe, and unsafe. It was not as easy as some may think. I had to really scaffold all learning so the children maintained a lot of the ownership."

Mrs Reiri-Smith had attended Wairarapa College, and the former Hiona Intermediate, and East School - now Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Wairarapa - and recalls traffic wardens on the Johnstone St crossing outside the school.

"Initially my intention was for them to be safe around that main road. It then spiralled into something much larger which will hopefully continue. Educating the tamariki about choosing to be safe, rather than being rebellious and feeling restricted."

She said the creation of the book sparked numerous activities, artworks and digital photographs used to teach all the concepts and deeper features of rahui, which were traditionally placed on an area, resource or stretch of water as a conservation measure or as a means of social and political control.

The children made up an action song, took thousands of photos, and acted out scenarios. Treasure hunts were launched and used as integrated maths activities, maps were constructed and rahui used as topics for writing, Mrs Reiri-Smith said.

"He Rahui has been integrated into nearly every part of our curriculum and will continue as a refresher and an introduction for new children," she said.

"All whanau have been supportive and excited about it. They have designated areas and plans for collecting and dropping off children each day. The biggest thing is the children are safe upon arrival and removal from school."

She said copies of the book had already been ordered by other schools and she was hoping the work would be used as "an ongoing resource" to ensure safety at school for new entrants and other students as well.