Magical Forest Journey

Curriculum Area

The Arts – Drama (Level 1 of The New Zealand Curriculum)

Big Idea

Titiro whakamuri, kokiri whakamua – Drama is influenced by whakapapa and is a way to respond to and share identity, culture, and perspectives.

Learning Focus

Students will explore character, setting, and simple storytelling through physical movement and voice, based on a common Māori pūrākau (myth): "Māui and the Sun". This activity encourages imagination, supports oral language development, and introduces the idea of using drama to understand stories and culture.

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Lesson Duration

30 minutes

Year Level

Year 1

Class Size

18 students

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, ākonga (students) will be able to:

• Participate in simple dramatic play based on a Māori legend
• Use body movement and voice to explore character and setting
• Show an understanding of a story structure with a beginning, middle and end
• Recognise and respond to the cultural context of the story through guided dramatic play

Key Competencies

• Participating and contributing: Working collaboratively and with creativity
• Thinking: Exploring character motivation and story progression
• Relating to others: Listening and responding to peers' dramatic offers
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Understanding story elements and symbols in Māori culture

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Te Ao Māori Integration

This lesson integrates values of whanaungatanga and mahi tahi, where ākonga work together to explore a cultural story in an engaging, respectful way, acknowledging the power of pūrākau in sharing identity and perspectives.

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Materials Needed

• Bright yellow fabric (the Sun)
• Simple props (e.g. ropes made of soft fabric to "catch" the Sun)
• Pīkau (bag) or cloak for Māui
• A large clear space to move

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Karakia and Welcome (3 minutes)

Begin the session with a short karakia to centre the ākonga, set the tone for respectful collaboration and learning.

Kia hora te marino, kia whakapaingia te wairua o te mahi tahi

Briefly introduce the purpose of drama and today’s story – Māui and the Sun. Explain that through movement and imagination, we will be stepping into the story to experience it “from the inside.”

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2. Warm-Up – The Sun is Waking! (5 minutes)

Purpose: To prepare bodies and minds for dramatic play.

Lead the group in an imaginative physical warm-up:

• Stretch tall like the rising sun
• Creep low like Māui sneaking through the grass
• Shake out limbs like the strong ropes used to catch the Sun
• Breathe together like the gentle wind over Aotearoa

Make links to nature and whakapapa: the sun (Te Rā) connects us all, past and present.

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3. Whole-Class Story Drama – Māui and the Sun (15 minutes)

Purpose: To explore key moments of the pūrākau using movement and improvisation.

Part 1 – Story Introduction (Teacher in Role Narrative)
Introduce the story verbally while acting out key moments. Use simple language:

"Long ago, the days were too short. The Sun moved too fast. Māui, a clever and bold young man, had an idea..."

Encourage ākonga to listen and respond through facial expressions and gestures.

Part 2 – Exploring Roles (Freeze Frames)
Guide students to create still images of:

• The world in darkness (before Māui slowed the Sun)
• Māui and his brothers preparing the ropes
• The moment of catching the Sun

Use "3-2-1 Freeze!" to set up these moments. Ask questions like:

"How does it feel to be the hot, blazing Sun who's being held down?"
"What might Māui be thinking as he faces the Sun?"

Part 3 – Movement Moment: Pulling the Sun
Students pair up: one is Māui, the other is the Sun.
In slow motion, re-enact the tug between them using imaginary ropes.
Swap roles halfway so everyone gets a turn.

Encourage vocal sound effects and focus on slow, controlled movement.

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4. Reflect and Close (5 minutes)

Gather in a circle. Ask ākonga to share:

• A feeling they had during the drama
• Their favourite moment
• One thing Māui did that was clever or brave

Reinforce the cultural connection:

"This story is part of who we are — it’s one of the many gifts our tūpuna have passed down."

End with a simple waiata or shared korero whakakapi to close the session together.

Optional:

“E Rere Rā” – a short waiata about the sun

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Extensions / Next Steps

• Drawing: Have students draw their favourite scene from the story
• Creative writing: Students dictate a sentence to describe their moment
• Revisit later to develop a short group performance for whānau

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Teacher Tips

• Use lots of modelling – students may be unsure at first
• Validate all imaginative choices – there is no "wrong" way to move like the Sun!
• Connect moments to their daily lives: “What do we do when we want more time to play outdoors?”
• Be aware of any students who may be unfamiliar with Māori stories – take the time to explain meaning and significance gently

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Assessment for Learning

Observe for:

• Willingness to participate in movement and role-play
• Ability to express emotion and character through body
• Ability to retell or remember parts of the story
• Engagement with Māori culture and whakapapa

Comment on individual contributions through informal feedback and classroom discussion.

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Kia kaha ki te mahi tahi, kia māia ki te whakaaro nui.
(Be strong in collaboration, and brave in creative thought.)

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Prepared for kaiako across Aotearoa to inspire, engage and celebrate drama with our youngest storytellers.