Celebrating Stories

Introduction

Duration: 10 minutes

Objective: Students will explore and understand the importance of storytelling through songs and dances that tell positive stories. They will engage in discussions about the significance of storytelling in cultures, especially Māori culture.

Activity:

1. Brief introduction on the importance of storytelling.
2. Discuss how songs and dances can be used to tell stories.
3. Briefly introduce the specific curriculum area and level for the lesson:
   • Curriculum Area: The Arts / Dance and Music
   • Level: NZC Level 3-4

Resources Needed:

• Speaker for playing music
• Open space for dancing
• Journal or notebook for each student
• Pens and markers

Warm-Up Activity

Duration: 10 minutes

Objective: Prepare students physically and mentally for the main activity.

Activity:

1. Group Stretching:

   • Students stand in a circle and follow the teacher in basic stretching exercises.
   • Focus on loosening up the body, especially arms, legs, and back.

2. Rhythmic Clapping:

   • Teacher leads a clapping exercise to introduce basic rhythms.
   • Start with simple patterns and gradually increase complexity.

Resources Needed:

• None

Main Activity: Songs and Dances

Duration: 30 minutes

Objective: Students will learn and perform songs and dances that tell a positive story.

Suggested Songs and Dances:

1. Song: "Tūtira mai ngā iwi"

   • Dance: Simple group choreography that involves forming lines and moving together to reflect unity and collaboration.

2. Song: "Poi E" by Pātea Māori Club

   • Dance: Introduce basic poi movement (using imaginary poi or simplified with scarves) to tell the story of Māori culture and pride.

Step-by-Step Activity:

1. Introduction to the Songs:

   • Play "Tūtira mai ngā iwi" and discuss the meaning of the lyrics.
   • Explain the choreography steps.

2. Learning the Dance:

   • Break down the dance into simple steps.
   • Practice the movement slowly, then gradually increase speed.
   • Ensure students understand the connection between the movement and the storytelling aspect of the song.

3. Practicing the Songs and Dances:

   • Play "Poi E" and briefly explain its significance in Māori culture.
   • Teach basic poi movements using scarves or just hand actions for simplicity.
   • Combine music and dance, encouraging students to feel the rhythm and express the story through their movements.

Resources Needed:

• Music player
• "Tūtira mai ngā iwi" and "Poi E" audio tracks
• Scarves or streamers for poi movements (optional)

Reflection and Cool Down

Duration: 10 minutes

Objective: Students will reflect on their experience and cool down from the physical activity.

Activity:

1. Group Discussion:

   • Sit in a circle and discuss how storytelling through song and dance made them feel.
   • Encourage students to share their thoughts on why storytelling is important in cultures, especially Māori culture.

2. Reflection Journaling:

   • Each student writes a short paragraph or draws a picture about what they learned and felt during the lesson.

3. Cool Down:

   • Lead the students through a gentle cool-down stretching session.
   • Soft music can be played in the background to create a calming atmosphere.

Resources Needed:

• Journals or notebooks
• Pens and markers
• Soft background music

Conclusion

• Summary of Learning: Reinforce the importance of storytelling, highlighting the cultural significance, especially within Māori traditions.
• Encouragement: Encourage students to think of other songs or dances that tell stories they can share in the future.

By the end of this lesson, students will have a better understanding of how songs and dances are powerful tools in storytelling, and they will have experienced the joy and cultural richness these stories bring.