Exploring Kaitiakitanga: Unit #2

Overview

Welcome to Lesson 2 of our 6-lesson unit plan focused on Kaitiakitanga. In this lesson, Year 4 students will explore and identify practices of Kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship) in their local community. We'll engage the pupils with a hands-on nature walk around the school grounds or nearby park and document their observations through drawings or photographs. This aligns with New Zealand's curriculum standards for Social Studies at Level 2.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Define Kaitiakitanga and explain its importance in the local community.
2. Identify examples of Kaitiakitanga within their local environment.
3. Document their observations through drawings or photographs.
4. Discuss their findings and share their observations with the class.

Curriculum Links

Social Studies Level 2:

• Understand how people make decisions about access to and use of resources
• Understand how places influence people and people influence places

Materials Needed

• Clipboards and paper
• Pencils and coloured pencils
• Digital cameras/tablets for taking photos
• Magnifying glasses (optional)
• Plant and animal identification guides (optional)
• Large poster paper for sharing findings
• Sticky notes or markers

Lesson Duration

60 minutes

Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 mins)

1. Welcome & Hook:

   • Begin with a short discussion about Kaitiakitanga. Ask the students if they remember what Kaitiakitanga means (a concept referring to guardianship, particularly around protecting and caring for the environment).
   • Show a short video or read a story that illustrates Kaitiakitanga in action to refresh their memories.

2. Learning Intentions:

   • Share the learning objectives for today’s lesson. Explain that they will go outside to observe how the community practices Kaitiakitanga.

Main Activity (40 mins)

1. Preparation (5 mins):

   • Explain the activity and the importance of observing our surroundings carefully.
   • Divide the students into small groups of 3-4.
   • Hand out clipboards, paper, pencils, and cameras/tablets to each group.

2. Nature Walk (25 mins):

   • Head outside to the school grounds or nearby park.
   • Encourage students to look for examples of Kaitiakitanga: well-cared-for plants, recycled materials, clean areas, animal habitats, etc.
   • Have students document their observations through drawings or photographs. Encourage them to take notes on what they see and why it is important.

3. Conclusion (10 mins):

   • Return to the classroom.
   • Each group will select their top 3 observations to share with the class.
   • Provide large poster paper where groups can stick their drawings/photos and annotate them with sticky notes.

Conclusion & Reflection (10 mins)

1. Discussion:

   • Gather the students and discuss their findings. Ask open-ended questions such as:
     • What examples of Kaitiakitanga did you observe?
     • Why do you think these actions are important for our community and environment?

2. Reflection:

   • Have each student write a short reflection or draw a picture of what Kaitiakitanga means to them based on their observations.
   • Share reflections with the class.

Extension Activity (Optional)

• Create a classroom display with the students' drawings/photos and reflections, showcasing their understanding of Kaitiakitanga.
• Plan a project to enhance Kaitiakitanga in the school, such as a clean-up day or a school garden.

Assessment

• Formative: Observations during the nature walk, participation in group discussions, and documentation through drawings/photographs.
• Summative: Reflections written or drawn at the end of the lesson to assess individual understanding of Kaitiakitanga.

Teaching Tips

• Ensure all students have equal access to tools for documentation.
• Reinforce the concept of mutual respect and care for the environment.
• Adapt the nature walk to include a variety of sensory experiences such as listening to birds or feeling the texture of leaves.

By the end of this lesson, students will have a solid understanding of Kaitiakitanga and how it is practiced in their local community. They will have developed skills in observation, documentation, and reflection, which are key components of the Social Studies curriculum at Level 2.