Counting in Māori

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Overview

A 5-lesson sequence designed for Year 1 students (6-year-olds) in New Zealand to progressively learn and understand Māori numbers from 1 to 100. Each lesson is 30 minutes long and tailored to develop oral language, listening, recognition, speaking, and writing skills with Māori numbers. The lessons embed cultural connections to te reo Māori and use visual aids and engaging activities suitable for young learners.

This plan is aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Te Mātaiaho English and Mathematics & Statistics) and is designed to reflect the learning progressions, competencies, and cultural inclusiveness expected at Year 1 level.

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Curriculum Alignment Highlights

Relevant Learning Outcomes & Strands:

• Languages Strand: Encourage oral language development, listening comprehension, speaking, and recognition of new vocabulary (number words to 100 in Māori).
• Mathematics & Statistics Number strand: Counting forward/backward, recognising, reading and writing numbers up to 100, understanding basic place value concepts .
• Key Competencies: Thinking, Using language, symbols, and texts, Managing self (engagement and confidence), Relating to others (cooperative learning) .
• Cultural Connections: Use te reo Māori language and cultural numeracy understandings to value identity and heritage.

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Lesson Sequence Details

Lesson 1: Numbers 1-10 in Māori

Learning Objectives:

• Recognise, listen to, and speak numbers 1 to 10 in Māori.
• Associate each Māori number word with its English numeral and quantity.
• Begin writing Māori numbers 1-10.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will orally count to 10 in Māori confidently.
• Match visual number cards to spoken Māori numbers and objects.

Activities (30 mins):

1. Karakia and Waiata (3 mins): Start with a simple karakia and sing a counting waiata involving numbers 1–10.
2. Visual Flashcards Presentation (5 mins): Show number cards 1-10 with Māori words, say the number, and have the class repeat chorally.
3. Counting Objects (8 mins): Use manipulatives (e.g., toys, blocks) to count out numbers 1–10 with students saying the Māori numbers aloud.
4. Interactive Number Chart (7 mins): Point to numbers on a large Māori number chart 1-10; children repeat and identify.
5. Writing Practice (5 mins): Practice tracing and writing Māori numbers 1–10 with support.
6. Closing Chant (2 mins): End with a repetitive chant reinforcing numbers 1-10.

Assessment:

• Teacher observes participation in counting aloud and ability to recognise numbers on cards and charts.
• Check correct formation of number writing.

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Lesson 2: Numbers 11-20 in Māori & Review 1-10

Learning Objectives:

• Expand to count and recognise numbers 11-20 in Māori.
• Use number structure terms in Māori for teen numbers (tekau mā ...).

Learning Outcomes:

• Students will count 1-20 in Māori; recognise tekau mā structure.
• Describe quantities using Māori numbers.

Activities (30 mins):

1. Recap Warm-up (5 mins): Chant 1-10 Māori numbers.
2. Introduce 11-20 (7 mins): Teach 11-20 using a number chart highlighting the tekau mā pattern.
3. Hands-on Group Counting (8 mins): In pairs, count objects from 11-20 aloud in Māori, using visual aids.
4. Number Matching Game (7 mins): Match numeral cards to Māori number words 11-20.
5. Drawing and Writing (3 mins): Trace the numbers 11-20 and draw objects to represent the quantity.
6. Whakakapi - Closing Poi Counting (cultural connection) (end with rhythmic poi or clapping counting 11-20).

Assessment:

• Oral counting individually or in pairs.
• Recognition of teen numbers written in Māori.

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Lesson 3: Numbers 21-50 — Building on Māori Tens (rua tekau, toru tekau)

Learning Objectives:

• Understand and use Māori multiples of ten and compound numbers (e.g., 21 = rua tekau mā tahi).
• Practice counting by tens and the numbers in between.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students count to 50 in Māori using the place-value concept.
• Recognise and say multiples of ten up to 50 and compose numbers in between.

Activities (30 mins):

1. Counting Warm-up (5 mins): Count 1-20 together to refresh.
2. Introduce Tens Chart (5 mins): Show tens 20,30,40,50, using a large number board with Māori words (rua tekau, toru tekau, whā tekau, rima tekau).
3. Tens Building Blocks Game (8 mins): Use blocks grouped by tens to build numbers 21-50, saying the Māori name for the numbers.
4. Choral Counting with Actions (5 mins): Students count out loud 21-50 with hand gestures for tens and ones.
5. Cultural Story Connection (5 mins): Share a short Māori counting story or proverb related to numbers and their importance.
6. Writing Practice (2 mins): Trace and write some selected numbers 21, 25, 30, 45.

Assessment:

• Peer-check pairs for correct oral counting.
• Teacher notes use of mā connectors and tens correctly.

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Lesson 4: Numbers 51-100 — Reinforcing Place Value and Patterns

Learning Objectives:

• Extend counting to 100 using Māori number patterns (rima tekau mā, ono tekau).
• Reinforce understanding of place-value (tens and ones) in Māori number words.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students can count from 50 to 100 orally and visually identify numbers.
• Recognise repeated patterns in number words and develop confidence in oral use.

Activities (30 mins):

1. Review Counting 1-50 (5 mins): Quick choral counting, focusing on tricky numbers.
2. Introduce 51-100 Using Number Lines (7 mins): Use a visible 100 number line with Māori labels, count in small groups aloud.
3. Number Pattern Discovery (5 mins): Explore patterns by comparing similar numbers (e.g., 61 vs 71).
4. Sorting Game (6 mins): Students place numeral cards into order and say the Māori names.
5. Kōrero - Counting Story Sharing (Language Plus Culture) (5 mins): Share a Māori legend or fact involving numbers, encouraging students to discuss in pairs.
6. Writing Practice (2 mins): Write a simple sentence including a number (e.g., "I have toru tekau mā whā toys").

Assessment:

• Oral responses to number prompts by teacher.
• Participation in the sorting and pattern activities.

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Lesson 5: Consolidation and Creative Application

Learning Objectives:

• Consolidate knowledge of counting 1 to 100 in Māori - oral, listening, recognition, writing.
• Use Māori numbers in practical, creative contexts and communication.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students confidently use Māori numbers to 100 in speech and writing.
• Show understanding by applying numbers in games and storytelling.

Activities (30 mins):

1. Warm-up - Song and Chant (5 mins): Full-number waiata or chant 1-100 in Māori.
2. Interactive Number Quest Game (10 mins): A treasure hunt or board game where students move pieces by Māori numbers called out. Focus is on hearing and responding correctly.
3. Number Story Creation (10 mins): In small groups, students create and share a short story or scenario incorporating Māori numbers (e.g., "We picked rima tekau mā rua berries").
4. Reflection and Sharing (3 mins): Students share what they enjoyed or found tricky with the counting and writing.
5. Closing Karakia (2 mins): Reinforce cultural connection and respect for te reo Māori.

Assessment:

• Observe oral fluency in the game and story-sharing.
• Collect simple written artefacts (numbers and brief sentences).

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Resources and Visual Aids

• Large Māori number charts (1-100)
• Flashcards with numerals and Māori words
• Manipulatives (blocks, counters)
• Number line posters with Māori numbers
• Writing sheets for tracing Māori numbers
• Audio recordings of counting waiata and chants
• Story props/puppets for cultural stories

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Teacher Notes

• Use modelling and think-alouds to scaffold student learning orally and visually .
• Use total physical response (TPR) strategies: actions, gestures associated with numbers, and volume/pacing variation for engagement.
• Adapt scaffolding intensity to student progress and provide targeted support where needed.
• Celebrate students’ cultural identities by integrating Māori stories and waiata reflecting Aotearoa New Zealand perspectives.
• Encourage collaboration and oral peer interactions to build verbal reasoning and confidence.

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By following this sequence teachers will provide young students a rich, culturally grounded, and curriculum-aligned pathway to mastering Māori numbers to 100, supporting holistic language development in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

If you would like, I can prepare printable flashcards, waiata lyrics, or detailed scripts for cultural stories that complement this plan.