Language of Aloha

Lesson 1 of 3 – Celebrating Rotuman Language

Title: Introduction to Rotuman Language
Year Level: Year 1
Subject Area: Learning Languages
NZ Curriculum Level: Level 1
Duration: 30 minutes
Number of Students: 10
Class Setting: Special education – neurodiverse learners (predominantly autistic, sensory learners)

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🌺 WALT (We Are Learning To):

• Say simple greetings in Rotuman (hello and thank you)
• Understand that Rotuman is a living language connected to Pacific culture
• Participate in interactive language activities through kinaesthetic and sensory modes

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✅ Success Criteria:

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Say "Noa’ia" (hello) and "Fāksia" (thank you) correctly with support
• Recognise that Rotuman is spoken by people from the Pacific Islands
• Take part in an interactive greeting game using the two new words

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📘 Curriculum Links:

Learning Languages – Level 1

• Communication: Recognise and use familiar words and phrases (e.g., greetings)
• Cultural Knowledge: Recognise that people use language to communicate in different ways and that languages are connected to culture and identity

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🧠 Lesson Rationale:

This introductory lesson builds oral language skills through authentic use of a Pacific language. It incorporates sensory-based learning strategies suited to neurodiverse learners, supporting cultural competency and inclusive education in alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tapasā practices.

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🧩 Lesson Breakdown (30 Minutes Total)

1. Settling In – Sensory Greeting Circle (5 mins)

• Activity: Students sit in a circle holding a textured welcome mat or soft tactile object (fluffy ball or fabric).
• Teacher sings "Welcome to our class" tune while passing the object.
• Every child who receives the object says their name and passes it on.
• Purpose: Regulates transition, creates a safe social space, and builds name familiarity.

Differentiation: Use visual name cards with photos for students who are non-verbal or pre-verbal.

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2. Introducing Rotuma with Story and Movement (7 mins)

• Teacher reads a simple, dyslexia-friendly, large font picture book or story slide: “Where is Rotuma?”
  (A simple visual narrative: Rotuma is a tiny island north of Fiji. People live there, swim in the sea, eat coconuts and speak a special language called Rotuman.)

• Movement Integration: As key elements are introduced (e.g., sea, coconut, swimming), students act them out.
  E.g., “Let’s be the ocean – whoosh your arms!” “Let’s pick coconuts!”

Differentiation: Picture-symbol support (Visual Schedule Icons), simplified vocabulary, tactile sea/ocean cloth to engage students.

Dyslexia-Friendly Format: Black text on light yellow background, sans serif font.

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3. Language Focus: "Hello" and "Thank You" (10 mins)

• Words Introduced:

  • Noa’ia (Hello)
  • Fāksia (Thank you)

• Strategy: ‘Echo and Action’

  • Teacher models saying “Noa’ia!” with a friendly wave and big smile.
  • Students echo: “Noa’ia!” and wave.
  • Repeat for “Fāksia” using a hands-together thank-you gesture.

• Visual flashcards with mouth-shape symbols (supporting speech modelling).

• Mini Practice: Mirror Station – Students stand in front of a mirror and greet themselves with “Noa’ia!”

Differentiation: Use AAC devices or communication boards with symbols for 'Hello' and 'Thank you' in Rotuman. Provide physical motion cues for students who benefit from proprioceptive input.

Extension (Advanced Learners): Teach extra phrases like “Io” (Yes), or greetings in context “Noa’ia 'e mauri!” (Hello to you in life).

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4. Interactive Game: ‘Language Leaves’ Tap and Say (6 mins)

Set-up:

• Leaves cut from green sensory felt scattered around the mat.
• Each leaf has a velcro-backed card with either “Noa’ia” or “Fāksia” written and symbol image.

Game:

• Students take turns:
  • Choosing a ‘language leaf’
  • Saying the word aloud (or using voice output device or card cue)
  • Sticking it onto a ‘Tree of Talanoa’ display poster

Goal: Build the class tree together as ’Rotuman Word Explorers’

Differentiation: For students needing movement breaks, create a ‘leaf hunt’ path around the classroom.

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5. Reflective Song and Wrap-Up (2 mins)

• Sing-Along Goodbye Chant:
  (Tune: Twinkle Twinkle)
  “Noa’ia and Fāksia,
  Rotuman words we say today.
  Learning languages is fun,
  We can speak with everyone.”

Use hand gestures and wait-time for each word to keep children engaged.

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🎒 Extension Activities / Optional Homework:

• Take-home “My First Rotuman Words” booklet with:
  • Colour-in pages of “Noa’ia” and “Fāksia”
  • Picture prompts
  • QR (teacher-provided) for caregivers to hear word pronunciation

Sensory Suggestion: Use textured materials and markers for colouring

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🔧 Differentiation Summary:

Learner Need	Strategy
Non-verbal learners	Use AAC apps or communication boards; visual cards with photos
Sensory seekers	Include kinaesthetic props (leaves, tactile mats), mirror work, movement breaks
Students with dyslexia	Dyslexia-friendly fonts and colours, simplified text, oral and visual storytelling
Anxiety-prone learners	Low-pressure participation, option to observe first, predictable visual schedules
Early finishers / NGTB	Offer extra vocabulary, cultural mini-stories, or symbol-matching tasks

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🪶 Teacher Reflection Questions (Post-Lesson Planning Notes):

• Which students responded strongly to kinaesthetic elements?
• Did any students independently recall or use "Noa’ia" or "Fāksia" later in the day?
• Who might benefit from more repetition or 1:1 over time?

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📌 Next Lesson Preview (Lesson 2):

"Rotuman Songs and Rhythms" – Students will learn a simple greeting song in Rotuman and explore traditional Rotuman percussion instruments using body beats and props.

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Ka pai teachers! This is a playful, sensory-rich gateway into a rich, yet underrepresented Polynesian language, offering all ākonga a place to belong and thrive.