Building Respectful Connections

Overview

This 60-minute lesson plan is designed for Year 5 students in New Zealand, focusing on the core Māori values of Whanaungatanga (relationships), Manakitanga (caring and hospitality), and Ako (learning and teaching). It integrates key components of the New Zealand Curriculum's Social Sciences and Values strands, fostering cultural understanding, respectful collaboration, and reciprocal learning—enhanced by meaningful te reo Māori integration.

Learning Objectives

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

Understand and explain the Māori concepts of Whanaungatanga, Manakitanga, and Ako.
(Social Sciences Achievement Objective: Understand how cultural practices contribute to community identity and belonging.)
Demonstrate respectful relationships and caring behaviours through group collaboration.
(Values: Respect, Community and Participation.)
Participate in a reciprocal learning environment where teaching and learning happen collaboratively.
(Key Competencies: Relating to others, Managing self, Participating and contributing.)
Use simple te reo Māori greetings and phrases related to the values studied.
(Learning Languages Learning Area: Use te reo Māori in context to express identity and culture.)

Curriculum Links

Social Sciences - Level 2
Understanding how cultural practices and values shape communities and relationships.
Health and Physical Education - Level 2
Recognising the importance of caring for others and participating in group activities.
Learning Languages - Level 2
Expressing ideas and cultural identity using te reo Māori.
Values
Respect, Community and Participation, Caring, Integrity.
Key Competencies
Relating to others, Participating and contributing, Using language, symbols, and texts.

Lesson Structure (60 minutes total)

1. Introduction & Whakawhanaungatanga (Getting Started) — 10 minutes

Begin with a welcome in te reo Māori. Use “Tēnā koutou katoa” (Greetings to you all).
Karakia or pepeha to establish a connection to place and people (optional depending on school preference).
Introduce the three values visually: Whanaungatanga, Manakitanga, Ako. Display simple images/icons to represent each.
Quick whole-class discussion: What do these words mean? Link to prior knowledge.

Teacher tips:
Use clear, simple language and ask open questions to elicit prior understanding and cultural experiences.

2. Group Activity: Whanaungatanga Web — 15 minutes

Students form groups of 5.
Each group creates a “Whanaungatanga Web” on a large paper using string and name tags of their group members.
Students take turns sharing one thing that helps them build good relationships (listening, kindness, sharing).
As each student shares, they hold the string and connect it to the person whose value fits best, building a web that shows connectedness.
Use te reo Māori phrases such as: "Tēnā koe mō tō āwhina" (Thank you for your help), “Kei te pēhea koe?” (How are you?).

Learning focus: Collaboration, valuing relationships, practising simple te reo Māori respectful phrases.

3. Interactive Role-Play: Manakitanga Scenarios — 15 minutes

Provide simple scenarios where students practice showing care and hospitality, e.g., welcoming a new student, helping a friend who is upset, sharing resources fairly.
Students in pairs or small groups act out these scenarios.
After role-plays, whole class briefly discusses what they learned about caring and hospitality.

Key learning: Empathy, caring, hospitality in practical contexts, use of te reo Māori phrases such as “Haere mai” (welcome) and “Kei te pai” (It’s okay).

4. Ako: Peer Teaching and Reflective Sharing — 15 minutes

Students teach each other something they know well — could be a favourite hobby, a trick, or a simple skill (e.g., a te reo Māori word, a short song or chant).
Encourage reciprocal learning, emphasising that everyone is both a teacher and a learner (Ako).
After pairs/groups share, students reflect and share how it felt to teach and learn from each other.

Integration: Use te reo Māori words learned during the lesson in introductions or explanations.

5. Reflection and Closing — 5 minutes

Recap the three values and their meanings with the class.
Ask students to share one new thing they learned or one way they will show Whanaungatanga, Manakitanga, or Ako tomorrow.
Close with a waiata or karakia if appropriate.

Resources Needed

Large sheets of paper and string for the Whanaungatanga webs.
Name tags or labels for students.
Scenario cards for Manakitanga role-play (prepared beforehand).
Whiteboard or chart paper with key terms and te reo Māori phrases.
Optional: Audio or video resources showing examples of the values or simple waiata.

Assessment Ideas

Formative: Observe group discussions and role-plays for demonstrated understanding of values and respectful behaviour.
Peer Feedback: Students can give positive feedback post peer-teaching activity expressing their appreciation and learning received.
Teacher Observation: Check for use of te reo Māori and respectful language, engagement in activities, and reflection insights.
Exit Ticket: Students write or verbally share one key learning about one of the values.

Example Te Reo Māori Phrases to Integrate

English	Te Reo Māori Phrase	Pronunciation Tip
Hello / Greetings	Tēnā koutou katoa	TEN-a KO-too kah-TOA
Thank you	Ngā mihi	NGA MEE-hee
Welcome	Haere mai	HIGH-ruh my
How are you?	Kei te pēhea koe?	KAY teh PEH-he-ah KO-eh
That’s good / It’s okay	Kei te pai	KAY teh PIE
Let’s work together	Mahi tahi tātou	MAH-hee TAH-hee TAH-tow

This lesson capitalises on social interaction and cultural identity fostering holistic student wellbeing, participation, and achievement consistent with the New Zealand Curriculum's vision and principles . It emphasises the culturally responsive framework necessary for meaningful engagement with Aotearoa New Zealand's unique bicultural context.

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Teaching Instructions