Celebrating Waitangi

Curriculum Area

• Learning Area: Social Sciences (History)
• Curriculum Level: Level 1 (Years 1–2)
• Strand: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Histories
• Key Focus: Understanding how Waitangi Day is celebrated and why it is important to New Zealanders.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Recognise that Waitangi Day is an important national holiday in New Zealand.
2. Identify different ways people commemorate this day across the country.
3. Express a personal response to how they might celebrate Waitangi Day.

Lesson Duration: 60 Minutes

Class Size: 10 students

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Settling In & Connection to Prior Knowledge (10 mins)

Activity: "Story Time – What is Waitangi Day?"

• Begin with a short storytelling session using images or a teacher-led narrative to introduce Waitangi Day.
• Use a big book or printed images showing people celebrating Waitangi Day in different ways (e.g. festivals, speeches, performances, whānau gatherings).
• Ask guiding questions:
  • "What do you see in these pictures?"
  • "Have you ever been to a parade or a celebration like this?"
  • "How do you celebrate special days with your whānau?"

Why?
Young learners engage best through storytelling. This builds on prior knowledge and establishes a foundation for the lesson.

---

2. Whole-Class Discussion & Interactive Exploration (15 mins)

Activity: "How is Waitangi Day Celebrated?"

• Show a series of images (printed or projected) depicting ways Waitangi Day is celebrated across New Zealand (haka performances, pōwhiri, kai festivals, flag-raising ceremonies, family picnics).

• Encourage students to respond:

  • "Which celebration do you like the most?"
  • "Can you spot people wearing something special?"
  • "What do you think they are saying to each other?"

• Class movement activity: Assign different celebration types (e.g. kapa haka, waving flags, sharing kai) and get the students to act them out quickly for engagement.

• Write down student responses on the board using keywords like whānau, marae, haka, celebration, kai, and Waitangi Day.

Why?
This makes abstract concepts more tangible by using visuals and movement to reinforce new knowledge.

---

3. Hands-On Creative Activity (20 mins)

Activity: "Our Own Waitangi Day Celebration"

• Provide students with construction paper, glue, and crayons.
• Option 1: Create a classroom mural where each student draws or colours in something related to a Waitangi Day celebration they might enjoy (e.g. fireworks, waka, meeting people on a marae).
• Option 2: Each student decorates a mini flag of Aotearoa New Zealand using colouring sheets, glitter, and stickers.
• While working, play a Māori waiata (song) in the background to create an immersive cultural atmosphere.

Why?
Hands-on activities suit young learners by improving fine motor skills while reinforcing key learning points.

---

4. Sharing & Reflecting (10 mins)

Activity: "Present and Talk"

• Each student shares their artwork with the class:
  • "This is my picture of people having kai at Waitangi."
  • "I drew a kapa haka group because I like dancing!"
• Encourage positive peer feedback (e.g. "I like your flag!" "I have been to a picnic like that too.").
• Teacher summarises key ideas by pointing to keywords on the board.

Why?
Reflection solidifies learning and develops confidence in oral expression.

---

Wrap-Up & Take-Home Connection

• Give each student a small Waitangi Day sticker or a simple colouring sheet to take home.
• Encourage them to ask their whānau, "How do we celebrate special days together?"

Possible Extension:

• If time allows, watch a short child-friendly video about Waitangi Day celebrations.

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Observational: Participation in discussion and movement activities.
• Creative Expression: Ability to draw or describe a celebration.
• Oral Expression: Confidence in explaining their artwork.

---

Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Notes)

• What went well?
• Which activity engaged students the most?
• How can I adapt this lesson for different learning needs next time?

---

Wow Factor ✨

This lesson is highly interactive, visual, and kinesthetic, ensuring engagement for young learners. It aligns strongly with the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum, and encourages hands-on learning while fostering a sense of national identity.