Tautai Ake Books
The Tautai Ake resources are a set of print and online resources that are designed to support the language, literacy, and content learning of Tokelau students. There are a range of text types, including fiction, non-fiction, plays, poetry, and legends.
Level 1
The Level 1 books can be used for reading to/with/by students who are in Early Primary (Years 1 to 3 or Levels 1 to 3).
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Sea Creatures on the Coral Reef
This non-fiction book introduces eleven of the creatures that live on the reef. Science -
Gahelevao
This is the traditional story of Gahelevao and what might happen if you aren’t asleep. Kakai -
My Parents
A girl named Kākālagi introduces us to her parents, Puke and Polapola. But perhaps she urges them to be careful once too often. -
Me
A boy from Atafu introduces himself and his family.
Level 2
The Level 2 books can be used for reading to/with/by students who are in Middle Primary (Years 4 to 6 or Levels 4 to 6).
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I’m a Mati
A mati bush explains just how thoughtless people can be. -
The Weather
While a young woman’s husband is away, there is a bad storm. She welcomes him back with a sense of relief. -
Chicken Thieves
Two teenagers steal a chicken to cook in the bush, but they aren’t the only ones who know how to take a chicken! -
The Friends
Lata is always playing tricks on his friend, Ikamoana. Out fishing one moonlit night for malau (squirrel- and soldierfish), Ikamoana finds a way to play a trick on Lata for a change!
Level 3
The Level 3 books can be used for reading to/with/by students who are in Late Primary (Year 7 to 8 or Level 7 to 8).
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The Problem with Pluto
This non-fiction book explains how Pluto was discovered and named as a planet in 1930 but, in 2006, had its status as a planet changed. Science -
Cook Strait Kate
When Kate Johns was fourteen years old, she became the youngest person to swim Cook Strait. This non-fiction books follows Kate as she achieves this amazing feat. -
Whale Shark
BBIn 2018, a young whale shark was discovered in the lagoon at Nukunonu. The community invited Australian scientists Brad Norman and Samantha Reynolds to come to Nukunonu to help the community find out more about the whale shark. This non-fiction big book is available in both English and gagana Tokelau. Science
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What in the World Is a Whale Shark?
In 2018, a young whale shark was discovered in the lagoon at Nukunonu. The community invited Australian scientists Brad Norman and Samantha Reynolds to come to Nukunonu to help the community find out more about the whale shark. This non-fiction dual-language flipbook presents similar information to Ko te Fāime / Whale Shark, but at a more advanced reading level. Science
Level 4
The Level 4 books can be used for reading to/with/by students who are at Secondary (Years 9 to 11 or Level 9 to 11).
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Bees are VIPs
This non-fiction book explores the symbiotic relationship that has evolved between the honeybee and flowering plants. It describes how, in the process of gathering nectar and pollen, honeybees pollinate flowers. Science -
Left on My Own
In this true story, Ropati Simona remembers an incident from his childhood. In 1935, when he was nine years old, his parents were missionaries in Papua New Guinea. Allowed to go on his first hunt, he became separated from the hunting party and was forced to spend a night on his own in the jungle. Though he was found the next day, what he hadn’t known at the time was that one of the world’s largest snakes had been hunting in the same area as he slept. -
Lighting the Way with Solar Energy
When Tokelau decided to switch to renewable energy, people thought critically about the options. They decided that solar energy could be a cost-effective option well-suited to Tokelau’s climate. Over four thousand solar panels were installed, making Tokelau the first nation in the world to convert to 100 percent renewable energy. Technology -
Under the Sea
This article reports on a survey of a 100-metre-long rocky reef located 11 kilometres off the Taranaki coast in New Zealand. Students from local high schools are partnering with divers, biologists, engineers, fishers, and local iwi to discover and record the plants and animals that make the reef their home. This article focuses on the survey methods being used and the different technologies involved in each method. Science and technology