Community Presentation

Curriculum Context

This lesson is designed for preschool (Years 0-1) in New Zealand and is aligned closely with the New Zealand Curriculum's approach to learning languages, specifically Te Reo Māori, and incorporates concepts of communication, community engagement, and sustainability.

Learning languages is acknowledged as a key pillar for identity and connection: "Ko tōu reo, ko tōku reo, te tuakiri tangata." (Your voice and my voice are expressions of identity). This lesson also supports key competencies such as relating to others, participating, and communicating in different contexts.

The curriculum emphasizes cultural narratives and language as life force for Māori and encourages learners to engage actively with te ao Māori through language, stories, and whakapapa. The unit "Te Reo Māori: Summer Discovery" culminates with learners presenting their understanding to the school community, embedding authentic communication and sustainability awareness vital to New Zealand communities.

Lesson Overview

Title: He Pānui ki te Hapori - Community Presentation Duration: 30 minutes Class Size: 10 preschool students Unit: Te Reo Māori: Summer Discovery (Final Lesson 7 of 7) Focus: Creating and sharing a simple presentation or display of learnt vocabulary, showcasing sustainable practices to the school community in te reo Māori.

Learning Objectives

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

Use simple Māori vocabulary and phrases related to the community and sustainability in their presentation.
Demonstrate understanding of sustainable practices through visual or spoken expression.
Participate confidently in sharing their learning with an audience.
Show emerging communication skills such as greeting, speaking clearly, and responding to audience cues.

Curriculum Links

Learning Languages (Te Reo Māori)
Communicate in simple ways with others about familiar topics using a few words or phrases, listen and respond appropriately.
Engage in storytelling and sharing to build identity and connection to the world.
The Arts
Use visual arts to express ideas and experiences related to the environment and community.
Social Sciences (Community and Care for the Environment)
Understand simple sustainable practices—caring for place and people.

Key Competencies

Relating to others – sharing ideas and presenting to others sensitively and clearly.
Using language, symbols and texts – expressing personal ideas through words and visual representations.
Participating and contributing – presenting work to the school community, engaging with peers and adults.

Resources Needed

Vocabulary pictorial cards of learned words (related to environment, community, and sustainability).
Simple display board or poster paper.
Craft materials (colours, sticky tape, glue).
Real-life objects related to sustainability where possible (e.g., reusable bags, plants, recycled items).
Audio-visual device for short recording or playback (optional).
Comfortable seating arranged as a small audience for presentation.

Lesson Breakdown (30 minutes)

1. Welcome and Whakarite (Preparation) (5 minutes)

Activity: Brief group gathering with a karakia (a simple Māori prayer or greeting) to open the lesson.
Teacher Action: Review with students the key words and phrases from the unit through flashcards or pictures. Prompt recall by showing community and sustainability images and asking, "He aha tēnei?" (What is this?).
Focus: Warm engaging language use, setting a respectful tone.

2. Group Discussion & Planning (5 minutes)

Activity: Discuss with students the idea of “He Pānui ki te Hapori” – sharing with the community. Talk simply about why we look after our environment (e.g., "Me tiaki te whenua – We must care for the land").
Use questions: "He aha ngā mahi pai mō te whenua?" (What good things do we do for the land?)
Teacher Action: Facilitate a brainstorming session with simple, familiar vocabulary and visual supports.

3. Creating Presentation Display (10 minutes)

Activity: Students contribute to creating a simple visual display or collage for the community presentation using pictures and objects representing sustainable behaviours learned during the unit (e.g., planting, recycling, conserving water).
Some students may practise repeating phrases aloud related to their chosen part (e.g., "Ka repareti au" - I recycle).
Teacher Action: Support language modelling and assist with crafting/assembly. Use clear repetition and encourage students to speak or gesture as they place their items.

4. Rehearsal and Role Play (5 minutes)

Activity: Practice presenting the display to peers in pairs or small groups. Encourage greeting, introducing their art/presentation part, and saying something simple about sustainability.
For example, "Tēnā koutou, ko tāku mahi ko te whakaputa i ngā mea hei tiaki i te whenua." (Hello, my work is about showing ways to care for the earth.)
Teacher Action: Model clear speech, posture, and audience awareness. Provide feedback focused on encouragement.

5. Community Presentation (5 minutes)

Activity: Invite a small group of familiar adults or older students as an audience. Students present their display in small groups or as a class, using simple greetings and phrases they have practised.
Use non-verbal cues to support understanding (e.g., pointing to pictures, nods).
Teacher Action: Facilitate a positive, calm atmosphere, celebrating all efforts and praising use of te reo Māori.

Assessment and Reflection

Formative Assessment: Observe students’ participation in language use during planning, creating, rehearsal, and presentation phases.
Check for use of learnt vocabulary and willingness to engage verbally or non-verbally with the presentation.
Provide verbal positive feedback reinforcing effort and correct usage.
Note individual students’ confidence levels and communication development for future planning.
Reflective Questions for Students (Orally):
"He aha te mea pai rawa i tētahi mahi nei?" (What was your favourite part of this activity?)
"Ka taea e au te kī i ngā kupu Māori mō te hapori?" (Can I say the Māori words for the community?)

Extension Ideas for Teachers

Record the presentations and play back for students to self-reflect on their speaking and body language.
Incorporate digital tools where students can create a simple audio-visual presentation to share with the wider school community.
Invite community members or parents to join the presentation event to strengthen community ties and real-life audience experience.

This lesson fosters children’s identity through te reo Māori, encourages community participation, and introduces sustainability concepts that are age-appropriate and engaging. It also aligns well with the New Zealand Curriculum’s goals of building confident communicators, connected learners, and active members of their communities in te ao Māori and beyond.

This detailed and culturally responsive lesson plan builds on students’ experiences and prior learning, incorporates visual and oral language learning, and meets the time and development needs of preschool learners in New Zealand. The focus on community presentation culminates the "Summer Discovery" unit with authentic purpose and pride.