Understanding Perspectives

Overview

In this 45-minute lesson for 12 students, learners will be introduced to key vocabulary and phrases in Te Reo Māori that express opinions and perspectives. They will engage in simple conversational practice to build confidence in expressing viewpoints, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum.

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Learning Languages (Te Reo Māori)
Level: Approx. Years 4-6 (level 3-4)
Strand: Communicating and Understanding Language in Context
Key Competencies:

• Using language, symbols, and texts
• Participating and contributing
• Relating to others
  Values:
• Cultural diversity – embracing and celebrating Te Ao Māori perspectives

Achievement Objectives:

• Understand and use simple expressions to convey ideas and opinions in Te Reo Māori
• Engage in basic conversations expressing perspectives and feelings
• Recognise and practise key vocabulary associated with giving opinions and agreeing/disagreeing

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Learning Objectives

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

• Identify and use at least six new Te Reo Māori phrases for expressing opinions (e.g., Ki a au, Auē, kāore au i te whakaae).
• Participate in short, structured conversations expressing agreement, disagreement, and personal views.
• Demonstrate respectful listening and response skills in pairs and small groups.
• Make connections between their own perspectives and those of others in class discussions.

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Lesson Activities

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Begin with a karakia (simple welcoming chant) and introduce the lesson’s focus: expressing perspectives in Te Reo Māori.
• Quick pronunciation practice of the key phrases. Use choral repetition to build confidence.

2. Vocabulary Introduction (10 minutes)

• Introduce key phrases using flashcards and visual cues (e.g., facial images, gestures). Key phrases might include:
  • Ki a au (In my opinion...)
  • Ki tōku whakaaro (In my view...)
  • Aroha mai, kāore au i te whakaae (Sorry, I don’t agree)
  • Āe, āe! (Yes, yes!)
  • Tino pai! (Very good!)
  • Kāore au i te mōhio (I don’t know)
• Model dialogues using these phrases in simple sentences.

3. Paired Conversational Practice (15 minutes)

• Students work in pairs to practise scripted dialogues that use the new vocabulary to express opinions and respond politely.
• Each pair receives a card with a simple opinion or question in English and its Te Reo Māori equivalent.
• Encourage use of non-verbal communication such as nodding or hand gestures to show agreement or disagreement respectfully.
• Teacher circulates to provide support and timely feedback.

4. Group Sharing and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Bring the class back together. Select pairs to perform their dialogues.
• Facilitate a short group discussion asking: He aha ō whakaaro? (What are your thoughts?)
• Encourage students to use newly learnt expressions to agree or disagree politely.
• Highlight good use of language and respectful communication.

5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

• Quick reflection round: each student says one new phrase they learnt and uses it in a short sentence about the lesson or their opinion.
• End with a whakatauākī (Māori proverb) that relates to sharing and respecting perspectives, e.g.:
  “He kōrero tahi, he whakaaro kotahi” (One conversation, one thought).
• Assign a light homework task: practise one phrase at home with whānau.

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Assessment

• Informal formative assessment through observation of paired conversations and group sharing.
• Teacher to use a checklist to note correct use of vocabulary, pronunciation, and respectful language conventions.
• Provide feedback to each student on their confidence in using expressions and participation.

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Resources Required

• Flashcards with key vocabulary and visual prompts.
• Scripted dialogue cards for pairs.
• Whiteboard and markers to display phrases clearly.
• Audio recording (optional) of example conversations for pronunciation support.

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Teacher Notes

• Differentiate support by providing sentence starters for less confident students.
• Foster a safe, encouraging environment where making mistakes is part of learning.
• Connect this lesson to previous and future lessons in the unit to build cumulative skills in expressing perspectives.
• Incorporate cultural values by acknowledging the importance of manaakitanga (respect and care) during discussions.

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This lesson plan integrates critical elements of the New Zealand Curriculum by focusing on communication in a culturally responsive way, encouraging students’ identity with Te Reo Māori and developing the key competencies of relating to others and using language effectively. It uses active learning strategies that promote speaking, listening, and respectful interaction, all within a manageable 45-minute timeframe for 12 students .