Celebrating Samoa

Overview

Lesson 5 of 5: Samoan Language Celebration Unit
Year Level: Year 2
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Curriculum Area: Learning Languages – Gagana Sāmoa
Curriculum Level: New Zealand Curriculum Level 1

Lesson Title: Samoan Language Celebration Day
Lesson Description: This special culminating celebration allows Year 2 students to share their learning from the unit: their knowledge of Samoan language and culture. They will proudly showcase their tapa cloth artworks, perform a Samoan song learned over the past weeks, and speak simple Samoan phrases with confidence. This joyful, student-led event fosters language confidence, cultural appreciation, and whānau connections.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, ākonga (students) will:

• Use basic Gagana Sāmoa greetings and phrases in context.
• Present an individual or group contribution (tapa cloth, cultural sharing, song performance).
• Participate in a class performance of a Samoan song.
• Demonstrate understanding of key aspects of Samoan culture learnt throughout the unit (e.g. fale, aiga, tapa cloths, food, greetings).

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Key Competencies in Action

• Participating and Contributing – Students contribute through presentations and discussions.
• Relating to Others – Students interact culturally and respectfully with peers and whānau.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts – Students apply their Gagana Sāmoa knowledge in authentic ways.

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Materials Needed

• Student-created tapa cloths
• Printed cue cards with Gagana Sāmoa phrases (laminated)
• Music player for Samoan song
• Celebration poster/banner (e.g. “Mālō le Tālofa!” created in earlier lesson)
• Mats or cushions for seated performance and sharing circle
• Optional: Digital camera or tablet for taking photos

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Lesson Sequence

1. Karakia and Whakawhanaungatanga (5 mins)

Location: Whole class mat area

• Begin with a short karakia (teacher-led).
• Circle time: Brief kōrero about how far the class has come in their learning journey.
• Set positive, excited tone: “Today we become the teachers – we will teach others about Samoa!”

2. Student-led Showcase (15 mins)

Part A: Performance (7 mins)

• Students sit or stand in formation.
• Teacher briefly introduces the performance: “The children will now perform Savalivali Means Go for a Walk, a Samoan song they’ve been practising.”
• Class sings and performs simple movement actions.
• Optional: Repeat song if whānau attending request an encore!

Part B: Cultural Shares (8 mins)

• Students take turns in pairs or small groups to present their tapa cloth artwork to the class.
• Each presenter uses a key phrase in Samoan (e.g. “O lo’u igoa o…” = My name is…).
• Optional scaffold: use of phrase cards or sentence starters.
• If whānau are present, students explain one thing they’ve learned about Samoa (e.g. fale means house, ‘aiga means family).

🌺 Top Tip: If time is limited – divide the class into smaller presentation groups who speak concurrently in table or station formats to peers or visiting whānau.

3. Reflection Circle (5 mins)

Location: On the mat or in sharing circle

• Invite students to share one favourite part of the unit.
  • Prompt: “What did you love most about learning Samoan?”
• Optional: pass around a decorated talking stick or conch shell to take turns speaking.
• Teacher celebrates students’ courage, creativity, and participation.

🎉 Consider awarding each child a small “Gagana Sāmoa Star” certificate for their contribution.

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Differentiation

• ESOL or shy learners: Can buddy with a peer for presentations, use phrase cards, or present via artwork only.
• Students with additional needs: May participate through sensory elements (e.g. textured tapa, music movement), use digital aids or visuals.
• Advanced students: Can lead a hello/farewell segment in Samoan or ask and answer simple questions.

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Assessment for Learning

• Teacher Observation: Participation, pronunciation, and engagement during song and sharing.
• Peer Feedback: Appreciation comments post-performance.
• Student Voice: Reflection comments provide insight into motivation and learning.

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Next Steps

• Integrate language moments into classroom life year-round (daily greetings, classroom labels).
• Involve students in planning for other cultural celebrations (Tongan Language Week, NZSL Week, etc).
• Consider inviting a Samoan community member to a future class session or virtual call.

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Ka rawe, ākonga mā! Mālō le galue – you’ve all done an amazing job celebrating Gagana Sāmoa!