Year 9 Te Reo Māori Lesson Plan: Making Poi

Subject: Te Reo Māori

Year Level: 9 (13-14 years old)

Duration: 50 minutes

Class Size: 28 students

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Curriculum Area and Level:

This lesson plan is developed under the New Zealand Curriculum and meets the requirements for Te Reo Māori as outlined in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (a curriculum based on Māori philosophies tailored for years 1-13). This unit specifically addresses aspects from the Technology and Arts domains.

• Curriculum Links:
  • Te Reo Māori in English-medium education.
  • Technological Practice and Technological Knowledge, with a focus on using tools and materials safely and effectively.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the cultural significance of poi in Māori culture.
2. Demonstrate basic skills in creating a poi from traditional and contemporary materials.
3. Use Te Reo Māori vocabulary related to materials and instructions.
4. Reflect on the learning experience and articulate their understanding in Te Reo Māori.

Resources:

• Māori language dictionary/reference (online or printed)
• Materials for each student or pair: pre-cut fabric squares, yarn, plastic shopping bags (for stuffing), thread, needles
• Scissors (enough for each student or pair)
• Traditional Māori music for background play
• Internet access for viewing instructional videos (if preferable)
• Example of a completed poi

Lesson Plan:

Time: 50 Minutes

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Introduction (10 minutes)

Activities:

1. Greeting and roll call in Te Reo Māori.
2. Discussion: Briefly discuss the historical and cultural significance of poi in Māori culture. Mention how poi is used in performances and its role in storytelling and ceremonies.
3. Objective Sharing: Explain to the students that they will learn how to make their own poi using traditional and modern methods.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

Poi Making Tutorial:

1. Instructional Demonstration:

   • Display a completed poi and discuss the materials used.
   • Demonstrate the steps in making poi while explaining each part in Te Reo Māori. Encourage the students to repeat key vocabulary.

2. Student Practice:

   • Distribute materials to each student or pair.
   • Walk around to assist and provide guidance as students follow the steps to create their poi. Continue to use and encourage repetition of Te Reo Māori terms related to tools and actions (e.g., "tapahi" to cut, "tuitui" to sew).

3. Peer Review:

   • Once students have completed their poi, allow them to pair up and review each other’s work. They should provide feedback using Te Reo Māori.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Reflection:

   • Ask students to share their experiences and what they learned about the process in Te Reo Māori.
   • Discuss any difficulties encountered and how they overcame them.

2. Clean Up:

   • Encourage students to responsibly clean their work areas, placing materials and tools back in their designated places.

3. Closure:

   • Close the session with a traditional Māori farewell or song that might incorporate poi movements if time and space allow.

Teacher's Notes:

• Ensure all safety guidelines are followed when handling needles and scissors.
• Encourage full use of Te Reo Māori during the lesson to immerse students in the language.

Relevant Links:

• TKI Te Reo Māori Resources
• Te Marautanga o Aotearoa Curriculum Guidelines (Only available with proper access)