Talking Matters NZ

22/01/2026

Playing together is one of the best ways to boost early language development. While doing so, make sure you're low at children's level.

This helps them 'read' your face while you talk and it also makes it easier for you to catch those fleeting cues. The 'look', the cheeky smile, the pointing to something interesting.

Getting down to their level helps you become that responsive partner tamariki need to grow their communication skills.

21/01/2026

Rich early language is the bedrock of literacy and literacy is the foundation for life success.

As a nation, we currently face a literacy issue that cannot be solved by working in isolation. A multi-agency approach is needed to create a positive change.

Talking Matters operates at the core of the Rich Early Language ecosystem in Aotearoa. We reach into diverse settings across multiple sectors.

If this resonates with you, get in touch! We'd love to chat about how we can collaborate to create language rich environments that support a healthy development for all tamariki in Aotearoa.

19/01/2026

Reading with young tamariki builds language skills and attention span.

Make it fun and interactive by using expression, asking questions about the pictures as you point to them. Make predictions as to what might happen next. Making it interactive boosts comprehension and engagement.

Talk about the characters, the events and the characters feelings so tamariki understand the meaning. Reading rhyming books helps tamariki hear how language flows, building phonological awareness, a key skill of learning to read.

A positive reading experience encourages a lifelong love of reading.

Visit our website for more: https://www.talkingmatters.org.nz/blog/post/158004/reading-with-pepi/

14/01/2026

This funny comic reminded us of the single most important tip for reading with pēpi and tamariki.

--- Follow their lead! ---

They may not want to read a book from start to finish, or even in the right page order, but enjoying the reading moment together will help them develop a love for reading.

13/01/2026

Sharing stories with tamariki during the summer holidays doesn't have to mean siting down with a book.

Stories are all around us. They can come from the landmarks / pou around us, the shells you collect at the beach, the walks in the forest.

Sharing the stories of the environment around us can support language development, imagination and learning new words.

You might be describing the wind, from gusting, blowing and bustling to calm, stagnant and humid.

Make the most of these holidays to tell stories about your adventures, your environment and the things you come into contact with.

12/01/2026

In this extreme weather it's important to keep an eye on the environment where pēpi and tamariki are spending time. Last year's report from the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child found that hot environments can affect how young tamariki are able to learn.

Spending summer outdoors is fantastic for language learning but we need to make sure tamariki keep cool so they can continue learning and having fun. Make sure to increase shade, introduce more natural elements and keep them hydrated. This supports a healthy development for pēpi and tamariki.

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/articles/young-children-extreme-heat/

08/01/2026

When out and about this summer how about having a go at this fun scavenger hunt we developed in partnership with Auckland Council, or make up your own!
Enjoy the chats in the sun (or rain) with pēpi and tamariki 🌤️

Follow the link for the PDF downloadable version:
https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/content/dam/aclib/docs/talk-about-summer-scavenger-hunt.pdf

06/01/2026

Have you noticed how pēpi and tamariki are usually drawn to dancing and movement?

Moving, finding rhythm and repeating actions helps pēpi and tamariki grow their communication by working on combined skills as they process what is being sung or said. It engages many areas of the brain at once making learning more robust.

✨It helps them feel safe and ready to learn
🤍It helps them feel attuned with you
🥁It helps them work on motor skills linking words to sensations in the body

Dancing together can have uncountable benefits for early language and development. What tunes have you been enjoying together these holidays?

31/12/2025

From all of us at Talking Matters 🤍

29/12/2025

Our mission: To improve quality of life outcomes through Rich Early Language.

Our vision: All children in Aotearoa thrive as confident, competent and creative communicators.

Our strategy: Partnering with adults to enrich the language environment for the babies & children in their lives.

Visit our website to learn more (www.talkingmatters.org.nz).

27/12/2025

Dinner chats, bedtime stories, shared giggles in the car… These moments are the magic.
Give tamariki the present of presence — your undistracted, loving attention.

24/12/2025