Enhancing meaning during book experiences in Pasefika Early Childhood Centres

This paper was prepared by Feaua'i Amosa Burgess

Biography

Feaua'i is a lecturer in the School of Educational Policy and Implementation at Victoria University. In 1986 she undertook studies for a Diploma of Teaching English as a Second Language. From this she developed the belief that young Pasefika children should grow up competent in their home language as well as English. She developed this idea in a 2003 research project where she examined the ways teachers in an a’oga amata were supporting literacy for Samoan children¹.

Introduction

As centres expanded it became necessary to build the capability of supervisors and teachers working in a'oga amata to deliver quality early education experiences. The development of early language and literacy in young children was an important focus. This involved the development of skills in the home language to ensure that children’s social and cultural identity was established and valued.

¹ Burgess, F. A. (2004). Expansion of meaning during book experiences in two a'oga amata, in Language Acquisition Research. Ministry of Education, Wellington.