Lesson Plan: Introduction to Nga Kākahu (Traditional Māori Clothing)

Overview

This 45-minute lesson plan for Year 9 students in New Zealand focuses on Te Reo Māori, specifically exploring traditional Māori clothing (Nga Kākahu). The plan aligns with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa for Māori Medium education, targeting curriculum level 4. The session will combine cultural history with language learning, encouraging students to engage actively and use Te Reo Māori throughout the lesson.

Curriculum Area

• Subject: Te Reo Māori
• Curriculum Level: Level 4
• Key Competency: Using language, symbols, and texts

Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Identify and name traditional Māori garments.
2. Understand the cultural and historical significance of these garments.
3. Use basic Te Reo Māori phrases to describe clothing and its uses in ceremonial contexts.

Resources

• Visual Aids: Images and videos of traditional Māori garments.
• Realia: Sample fabrics or replicas of traditional Māori clothing.
• Interactive Whiteboard or Projector.
• Handouts: Vocabulary lists and descriptions of the garments.
• Websites: Links to TKI - Te Kete Ipurangi for further research and resources.

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Warm-up: Begin the class with a traditional Māori greeting.
   • Activity: Students will practice greeting each other in Te Reo Māori.
2. Introduction to Topic: Briefly introduce the topic of Nga Kākahu, explaining the significance in Māori culture.
   • Discussion: Ask students to share any prior knowledge or experiences with Māori cultural garments.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Presentation and Discussion (10 minutes):

   • Show images and videos detailing various traditional Māori garments such as the korowai (cloak), piupiu (skirt), and taonga (treasured possessions).
   • Discuss how these items are made, the materials used, and their purposes during different ceremonies.

2. Interactive Activity (15 minutes):

   • Split students into small groups and hand out fabric samples and pictures for each garment.
   • Each group will learn specific phrases and sentences to describe their assigned garment in Te Reo Māori. For example, "Ko te piupiu tēnei, he kakahu mō ngā hui mē ngā ngahau."
   • Groups present their garment and descriptions to the class.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Review and Reflect:

   • Collectively review key vocabulary and phrases learned during the lesson.
   • Discuss why preserving traditional garments and language is crucial for cultural heritage.

2. Homework/Extension:

   • Assign students to research another aspect of Māori dress or create a project designing their version of a traditional garment, describing its significance and use in Te Reo Māori.

Assessment

• Formative assessment will be conducted through observation during group activities and review of the descriptions presented by students.
• Summative assessment could include a quiz on vocabulary and cultural facts discussed in the lesson.

Additional Notes

• Ensure all digital resources are set up prior to the lesson.
• Consider inviting a guest from the Māori community to speak about the significance of traditional garments.
• Adapt language complexity based on the proficiency levels of students in Te Reo Māori.

By integrating cultural elements with language learning, this lesson aims to deepen students' understanding and appreciation of Māori heritage while enhancing their competency in Te Reo Māori.