Exploring Our Moana

Lesson 1: Introduction to Our Moana

Curriculum Links

New Zealand Curriculum (NZC) – Social Sciences (Te Mātauranga Pūtaiao) – Early Childhood (Te Whāriki Level)

• Strand: Exploration – Mana Aotūroa
• Goal: Children learn strategies for active exploration, thinking, and reasoning.
• Learning Area: Social Sciences – Understanding our world through experiences, stories, and discussions about the environment.

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa – Tikanga ā-Iwi

• Strand: Te Ao Tūroa (The Natural World)
• Sub-strand: Ngā Ahuatanga o te Taiao – Children's understanding of their environment and their relationships with it.

Learning Intentions (L.I.)

• I am learning to recognise and describe what the moana (ocean) is.
• I am learning to share my feelings and ideas about the moana.
• I am learning why the moana is important to the environment and people.

Success Criteria

• I can identify and name some features of the moana.
• I can share a thought, experience, or feeling about the moana.
• I can listen to my friends and contribute to our discussion.

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Lesson Sequence – 60 minutes

1. Karakia & Waiata (Opening) – 10 minutes

• Begin with a short karakia (prayer) to centre the learning space.
• Sing "Moana Nui" – an engaging waiata about the ocean to introduce the theme.
• Encourage movement – using gentle stretches and hand movements to mimic ocean waves.

2. Introduction & Class Discussion – 10 minutes

• Show a large image of the moana (printed or on a screen). Ask, "What do you see? What do you feel when you look at the ocean?"
• Use prompts like:
  • "Who has seen or been to the moana before?"
  • "What lives in the moana?"
  • "How do we use and care for the moana?"
• Record children's responses on a big paper mind map.

3. Storytime – 15 minutes

• Read the book "Whale Rider" (simplified version) or "I Need a Hug" by Patricia Grace.
• Use large illustrations and interactive questioning:
  • "What do you think will happen next?"
  • "How do you think the ocean helps the characters?"
• Use te reo Māori kupu (words) for ocean-related terms:
  • Moana (ocean)
  • Tangaroa (god of the sea)
  • Wheke (octopus)

4. Sensory Play – 15 minutes

• Activity: "Moana in a Bottle"
  • Fill small clear bottles with blue-coloured water, shells, and glitter (supervised pouring).
  • Encourage swirling the bottle to see the "ocean waves".
  • Discuss the movement of water and its connection to the real moana.
• Alternative: If access to a sand or water tray is available, allow children to explore textures.

5. Reflection (Closing) – 10 minutes

• Revisit the class mind map: "What new things have we learned about the moana today?"
• Pair sharing: "Tell a friend one thing you love about the moana."
• Closing Karakia – a short gratitude prayer for Tangaroa.

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Resources Needed

• Picture book: "Whale Rider" (simplified) or "I Need a Hug".
• Large printed image of the moana.
• Big paper and markers for mind mapping.
• Small plastic bottles, shells, blue food colouring, water, and glitter for "Moana in a Bottle" sensory activity.

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Assessment & Evaluation

Teacher Observation

• Are children engaging and sharing their thoughts in discussion?
• Do they show curiosity and enthusiasm towards the topic?
• Are they participating in sensory play with care and creativity?

Self & Peer Reflection

• Encourage simple emotional check-ins: "Thumbs up if you loved today’s lesson. Sideways if it was okay. Down if not sure or didn’t like it."
• Partner talk: "What was your favourite part of today’s lesson?"

What Went Well & Next Steps

✅ What worked well?

• Engaging storytelling with picture clues helped participation.
• Sensory play encouraged hands-on learning.
• Singing the waiata made children feel connected to the theme.

🔄 What could be improved?

• More visual aids for children with limited English.
• A real-world video of the ocean for deeper exploration.
• Allowing more time for free verbal expression in group discussion.

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Next Lesson Preview: "Life in the Moana"

• We will learn about ocean animals and explore their habitats.
• Hands-on craft activity: creating fish from natural materials.

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This lesson integrates Te Ao Māori perspectives and supports bilingual learning, catering to different levels of language ability. By making lessons visually rich, interactive, and sensory-focused, it fosters an inclusive, child-centered learning experience that aligns with New Zealand’s early learning curriculum. 🌊✨