Te Reo Beginnings

Overview

In this 30-minute lesson, year 2 students will embark on their first journey into Te Reo Māori as part of the "Te Reo Reading Adventure" unit. They will learn simple greetings, useful phrases, and understand the importance of Te Reo Māori as a taonga (treasure) and its role in New Zealand's culture and identity.

This lesson is aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum’s Learning Languages learning area, focusing on developing communication in an additional language, and exploring world views in relation to their own.

---

Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Languages

Strand: Communicating
Level: Level 1–2 (Years 1–3)

• Communicate simple information, ideas, and feelings in spoken Te Reo Māori
• Recognise that language carries cultural knowledge and identity

Key Competencies

• Participating and Contributing: Engage positively in learning activities, showing respect for cultural identity
• Managing Self: Listen and take turns in conversations
• Relating to Others: Show awareness of cultural differences and respect for others' languages and traditions

Values

• Respect (Manaakitanga): Foster respect for te reo Māori, tangata whenua, and culture as a treasure
• Diversity: Celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity

---

Learning Objectives

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

• Use simple greetings in Te Reo Māori (e.g., Kia ora, Tēnā koe, Haere rā)
• Understand that Te Reo Māori is a living language important to New Zealand’s culture and identity
• Demonstrate respectful behaviours when using Te Reo Māori phrases
• Express curiosity and enjoyment through learning a new language

---

Resources Needed

• Flashcards with greetings and phrases in Te Reo Māori and English
• A puppet or character to engage students in greetings
• A large visual chart showing key phrases with pictures
• A short karakia or waiata (song) related to greetings (optional)
• Name labels with simple greetings for each student (e.g., "Kia ora, I’m [Name]")
• Safe indoor or outdoor meeting space for welcome circle

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Welcome and Brief Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle. Use a puppet or teacher-led role play to introduce yourself in Te Reo Māori with greetings such as "Kia ora" and "Tēnā koutou."
• Explain briefly, in simple English, that Te Reo Māori is one of New Zealand’s official languages and is very special. Share the proverb: "Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori" (Language is the life force of Māori mana).
• Set the cultural atmosphere by emphasising respect and fun when learning a new language.

2. Interactive Greeting Practice (10 minutes)

• Show flashcards with the greetings:
  • Kia ora (Hello)
  • Tēnā koe (Hello – to one person formally)
  • Tēnā koutou (Hello – to three or more people)
  • Haere rā (Goodbye)
• Model saying each greeting expressively and encourage the children to repeat chorally with clear pronunciation.
• Play a ‘greeting circle’ game:
  Each student says "Kia ora, I’m [Name]" to the person next to them, practicing the phrase.
• Use physical gestures associated with greetings, e.g., waiata arm motions or hongi simulation (touching noses gently, if culturally appropriate and comfortable).

3. Cultural Significance Discussion (5 minutes)

• Share simple ideas about why Te Reo Māori is a treasure (taonga).
• Discuss how people in New Zealand use this language today to greet each other and show kindness.
• Encourage students to share if they know any Māori words already or stories from home.

4. Creative Response Activity (7 minutes)

• Using the name labels, ask students to decorate their labels with their favourite greeting word or phrase, or draw a symbol connected to the language or culture (e.g., koru, kiwi).
• As they work, circulate and talk about the words, encouraging pronunciation and curiosity.
• Invite volunteers to share their decorated labels and say their greeting aloud.

5. Wrap-up and Reflect (3 minutes)

• Sing a simple waiata waiata mō te whakawhanaungatanga (a song for building relationships), like “Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa”.
• Recap key phrases learned by showing flashcards and inviting volunteer responses.
• Share excitement about the next lesson in the unit, reinforcing that learning Te Reo Māori helps us connect with people and culture.

---

Assessment & Feedback

• Formative Assessment: Observe participation during greeting repetitions and games. Note students who can confidently say greetings.
• Anecdotal Feedback: Listen for correct pronunciation and respectful use of phrases during activities.
• Reflection: Ask students what they liked about learning the greetings and if they can remember any words to share at home.

---

Teaching Notes

• Establish an inclusive and supportive environment where all attempts to use Te Reo Māori are celebrated.
• Use waiata and movement to enhance engagement, mindful that active recall is more effective at this age.
• Reinforce the learning with daily use of greetings throughout the unit.
• Link to values of respect and cultural identity to deepen understanding.
• Use simple language and visual supports for clarity and accessibility.

---

This lesson carefully follows the New Zealand Curriculum’s guidance on Languages learning, emphasising communication, cultural awareness, and respect, tailoring the content for year 2 learners both linguistically and developmentally. It also integrates key competencies and values essential for holistic education in Aotearoa New Zealand .