Exploring Society Through Still Frames

Curriculum Area: Drama (The Arts)

Level: Year 4 (Aligned with Level 2 of The New Zealand Curriculum)
Big Idea: Drama enables the exploration of the past and how it informs the present and future.
Achievement Objective:

• Use elements and techniques of drama (such as still image, role, and space) to create tableau representing aspects of society.
• Participate in creative strategies to produce a drama piece using te reo Māori.

---

Lesson Overview

This lesson focuses on devising still frame tableau that embody different aspects of society, using te reo Māori to guide exploration. Students will work collaboratively in small groups to create and present their tableaux, fostering whanaungatanga and manaakitanga in the drama space.

---

Lesson Structure (45 Minutes)

1. Mihi Whakatau (5 mins) – Welcome & Warm-Up

• Begin with a karakia timatanga to centre the class.
• Explain the lesson focus: “Ko tō tātou whāinga i tēnei rā, he whakamahi i te toi whakaari hei whakaatu i ngā wāhanga rerekē o te hapori – Our goal today is to use drama to show different aspects of society.”
• Quick warm-up: "He aha tēnei mahi?" (What is this action?) – The teacher models a simple action (e.g., reading a book, planting a tree). Students guess in te reo Māori.

---

2. Understanding Tableau (5 mins) – Class Discussion & Demonstration

• Define “tableau” (pūrei tū) – "A still picture that tells a story or represents an idea."
• The teacher creates a simple still frame (e.g., a teacher in a classroom) and asks students to describe what they see.
• Discuss how facial expressions, body positioning, and spacing contribute to telling a story.

---

3. Group Sorting & Topic Assignment (5 mins)

• Students divide into groups of 3-4 (ensuring kotahitanga – unity).
• Each group receives a society scene idea written in te reo Māori, e.g.:
  • Ngā Tāngata i te Wharekai (People in a Café)
  • Te Rōpū Kiriata (A Movie Scene – people watching & reacting)
  • Tākaro ki te Papa Rēhia (Playing at the Park)
  • I Te Mākete (At the Market – vendors selling, customers buying)

---

4. Devising the Still Frames (10 mins)

• Groups work together to decide their frozen scene and assign roles (e.g., shopkeeper, customer, barista).
• Students must plan their tableau using chorus-style discussion in te reo Māori (e.g., “Me noho ahau i konei?” – "Should I sit here?")
• Teacher circulates, prompting in te reo Māori while encouraging deeper thinking about positioning and posture.

---

5. Presenting the Tableau (10 mins)

• Groups present their pūrei tū, holding their still frames for 5-10 seconds.
• The rest of the class guesses and describes in te reo Māori what they think is happening, e.g.,
  • “He kaihoko tēnei tangata?” (Is this person a seller?)
  • “Kei te hoko kai rātou?” (Are they selling food?)
• Encourage expressive body language to enhance meaning.

---

6. Reflection & Wrap-Up (10 mins)

• Class kōrero: What made a tableau effective? How did it feel using te reo Māori throughout drama?
• Encourage students to share one new kupu Māori or phrase they learned today.
• Close with a karakia whakamutunga to end on a positive and reflective note.

---

Assessment Considerations

• Formative assessment – Teacher observations of participation, engagement in te reo Māori, and collaborative skills.
• Self-reflection – Students share their favourite moment from today’s lesson.
• Future learning – Next session, groups will add movement and dialogue to extend their tableaux into short scenes.

---

Teacher Tips for Success

• Use visual aids (cue cards with te reo Māori phrases).
• Foster an inclusive, safe space to try new language skills.
• Keep energy high – Year 4 students thrive on interaction and fun!

This engaging, culturally responsive lesson supports New Zealand Curriculum values while enriching students’ learning through drama, movement, and te reo Māori.