**PRE-ORDERS for a printed set will ship in 2 WEEKS Additional items added to your pre-order will be shipped together with your learning guide. Digital Download will be available immediately.
A 240+ page learning guide, separated into three main sections, introducing young children to Tongan letters, sounds, syllables, early writing, and reading through rhythm, visuals, movement, stories, and hands-on practice. Lea Faka-Tonga ki he Fānau: Exploring the Tongan Alphabet provides the core framework and will be the main guide within Koloameilangi Curriculum for young children, providing a playful, foundational framework for early childhood learning. This is a flexible guide that can be used and adapted for children Ages 2-7. It can be used on its own or paired with other learning materials and resources (optional companion guides to come).
Each week explores a new letter with ideas to spark curiosity. Inside are example learning rhythms, weekly alphabet images & materials, practice pages, and flexible learning activity ideas for home or classroom use. With just 20 minutes a few days a week, children can begin their journey into Tongan language and culture, building confidence and joy in learning.
*One digital download order per household please. For teachers, please reach out for permission for classroom use/multiple prints (tinytongantreasures@gmail.com).
Product Details:
There are 3 Main Sections in this learning guide:
- Core Framework + Instructions (35+ pages): This section contains an explanation to the learning guide, a suggested outline, learning ideas, example learning rhythms, tips for success, and more. This book includes explanations in both English and Tongan. A spiral bound book printed on 8.5 x 11 inch 32 lb printer paper.
- Weekly Alphabet Images + Materials (75+ pages): This section contains thoughtfully created alphabet images/posters with sample words and depictions to help the children explore the letters. Phonics learnings squares, phonics matching picture cards for each letter, and a Tongan syllable/phonics chart are also included. Printed on 8.5 x 11 inch 90 lb cardstock, these posters and materials are carefully organized into plastic sleeves inside a 1 inch D-Ring binder for easy removal and long-term durability.
- Alphabet Practice Pages (140+ pages total, split into 3 smaller sub-sections/booklets): This section contains "practice pages" for each letter of the alphabet. The pages are color coded to indicate the age range the page was created for. These pages were designed as reinforcements for daily activities and hands-on learning experiences where language naturally arises. Subsections are: Vowels, F-Ng, P-Fakau'a + Review Pages. Three separate spiral bound books with over 140 pages total printed on 20 lb printer paper.
Your support allows us to dedicate more time and resources to projects like this. Mālō lahi e ‘ofa mo e poupou.
Authorship & Acknowledgement
This guide was primarily created by Tiffany Lotulelei for her children and family, with guidance and feedback from Tongan community members and educators, Mele'Ofa Palenapa Motuliki (Mother in Tonga and Teacher, Raised in 'Eua) and Vikatolia Wolfgramm 'Aluesi (School Administrative Assistant in Tonga, Raised in Vava'u). This resource is intended to support families and educators and does not seek to replace community knowledge, lived experience, or the guidance of Tongan families and elders.
About the Creator:
Tiffany Lotulelei studied the Tongan language and developed a deep appreciation and respect for the culture while serving an 18-month mission in Tonga. She has since taught the Tongan language in various settings for three years, returned to Tonga twice, and taught English as a second language to children online.
This work draws from her lived experience as a mother to Tongan children, a family therapist, her time in Tonga, her collaboration with Tongan scholars on previous projects, and her children’s educational experiences in both nature-based and traditional school environments. She recognizes the responsibility involved in creating culturally grounded resources and remains grateful to those who continue to teach her, correct her, and share their knowledge and time.