Building Everyday Vocabulary

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Learn and confidently use everyday Māori vocabulary for common objects and actions.
• Identify and label classroom objects using te reo Māori.
• Collaborate and engage actively in a vocabulary scavenger hunt activity.

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Success Criteria

• Recognise and pronounce at least 10 new Māori words related to everyday classroom items and actions.
• Write and label objects in te reo Māori with correct spelling.
• Participate respectfully and collaboratively in the scavenger hunt.
• Explain the meaning of new vocabulary words to peers.

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Curriculum Alignment

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa – Māori Medium Curriculum (Years 4–5)

Learning Area: Languages – Te Reo Māori

• Ngā Whāinga Ako / Learning Objectives:

  • Use everyday vocabulary confidently in appropriate contexts.
  • Pronounce and spell te reo Māori words related to familiar environments.
  • Engage in oral communication using full sentences to describe and label objects.
  • Participate collaboratively in group activities that promote vocabulary development.

• Aromatawai / Assessment Demands:

  • Students demonstrate knowledge of vocabulary by accurately labelling classroom items.
  • Participate in oral language activities showing correct pronunciation and contextual use.

• Ngā Āheinga / Competencies:

  • Whakawhanaungatanga (Building relationships): Work cooperatively with peers.
  • Manaakitanga (Respect & support): Show respect when listening and during group activities.
  • Ako (Learning): Engage proactively in vocabulary acquisition.

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Resources

• Māori vocabulary list of common classroom objects and actions.
• Labels with Māori words and pictures.
• Scavenger hunt worksheet (word list and spaces for writing).
• Visual aids (flashcards, posters).
• Dyslexia-friendly printed materials: clear fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic or Arial), high contrast backgrounds, and supportive illustrations.

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Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Teacher/Student Actions	Notes/Differentiation
0–10 min	Introduction & Warm-up	- Teacher introduces the topic: “Today, we will learn everyday words in Māori.” - Go through 10 key vocabulary words with pictures and pronunciation practice. - Use choral repetition. - Use a short story or action to contextualise words.	Use visual aids and gestures to support meaning. Repeat pronunciation clearly and slowly. Dyslexia-friendly fonts on display materials.
10–20 min	Vocabulary Practice	- Students work in pairs to match labels to images. - Discuss meanings and practice saying words aloud. - Teacher circulates offering assistance.	Pair stronger speakers with less confident learners for peer support. Use sentence stems for describing objects (e.g., He ... tēnei – This is a ...).
20–40 min	Scavenger Hunt	- Hand out scavenger hunt worksheets. - Students find classroom items that correspond to vocabulary words. - Write the Māori word next to the item on worksheet. - Encourage students to say the words aloud as they find items. - Teacher monitors participation and offers positive feedback.	For diverse learners, provide word-picture cards to support spelling. Advanced learners: challenge to use words in short sentences describing the item (e.g., He pene tēnei, he paraikete hoki).
40–50 min	Group Sharing & Discussion	- Groups share which items they found and their labels. - Practice pronunciation together. - Discuss any new words or difficulties. - Teacher models correct pronunciation and sentence structure.	Encourage use of full sentences when sharing (e.g., Kei konei te pukapuka, ā, ko te ingoa o te pukapuka he ...).
50–60 min	Reflection & Cool Down	- Recap the new vocabulary. - Students share one new word they liked. - Use thumbs up/down for confidence. - Set a simple homework challenge: label one object at home in Māori. - Ka whakamoemiti (thank students).	Encourage students to use new words outside classroom.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Learners Needing Extra Support:

  • Provide visual and tactile supports (pictures, physical objects).
  • Offer one-on-one or small group assistance.
  • Use repetition and multiple modalities (listening, speaking, writing).

• For Advanced Learners:

  • Create sentences using vocabulary.
  • Introduce simple verbs related to objects (e.g., noho – sit, pānui – read).
  • Start discussion on synonyms or related words.

• Dyslexia-Friendly Approaches:

  • Use dyslexia-friendly fonts and high-contrast materials.
  • Provide audio recordings of vocabulary.
  • Allow extra time for reading/writing tasks.
  • Use colour-coded labels and visual organisers.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observe students during pair and group work for correct usage and pronunciation.
• Check scavenger hunt worksheets for correct spelling and matching.
• Use questioning to assess comprehension and encourage articulation of words.
• Provide immediate, clear, and positive feedback.

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Extension Activity (Optional)

• Create a classroom vocabulary wall with student-made labels.
• Students draw and write sentences about their favourite everyday object in Māori.
• Use digital tools (e.g., simple audio recording apps) for students to record themselves saying vocabulary words and sentences.

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This lesson plan integrates oral, reading, and writing skills with a hands-on interactive activity, promoting culturally responsive teaching and vocabulary acquisition consistent with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa guidance for years 4-5 learners.