Year 9 Lesson Plan: Exploring Tapa Cloth in New Zealand

Subject: Visual Arts and Social Sciences

Duration: 90 minutes

Year Level: 9

Class Size: 15 students

Objectives:

1. Students will learn about the cultural significance and historical context of Tapa Cloth in the Pacific, including its relevance to New Zealand's Pacific neighbours.
2. Students will explore the artistic methods used in the creation of Tapa Cloth.
3. Students will engage in a practical activity to design their own Tapa Cloth patterns using traditional techniques.

Curriculum Links:

• The Arts, Visual Arts, Level 4, New Zealand Curriculum: NZ Curriculum - Visual Arts
• Social Sciences, Level 4, New Zealand Curriculum: NZ Curriculum - Social Sciences

Resources Needed:

• Information sheets on the history and significance of Tapa Cloth
• Examples of Tapa Cloth designs
• Basic art supplies (paper, brushes, black ink)
• Materials to simulate traditional Tapa Cloth (bark cloth if available, otherwise large sheets of brown craft paper)
• Traditional tools for Tapa decoration (if not available, sponges or carved potato stamps can be used)
• Videos or slideshows showcasing Tapa cloth making and use

Lesson Plan:

Introduction (15 minutes)

• Activity: Begin with a video or slideshow presentation on Tapa Cloth, highlighting its importance in various Pacific cultures, including Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji, and its reception and adaptation in New Zealand.
• Discussion: Facilitate a brief discussion on students' prior knowledge and exposure to Tapa Cloth.

Theoretical Component (20 minutes)

• Lecture: Provide a detailed explanation about:
  • The materials used in traditional Tapa Cloth making.
  • The cultural meanings of common patterns and motifs found in Tapa designs, and how these reflect the social and spiritual lives of the communities.
• Activity: Hand out printed information sheets and discuss the integration of such cultural artefacts in contemporary Pacific art in New Zealand.

Practical Activity – Creating Tapa Designs (40 minutes)

• Demonstration: Show examples of traditional tools and methods used for creating Tapa patterns.
• Hands-on Activity: Students use prepared materials to create their own Tapa design. They should sketch their design first on regular paper before transferring it to their bark cloth or simulated material.
  • Apply traditional methods such as imprinting with carved stamps or drawing with ink.
  • Encourage creativity while maintaining respect for cultural authenticity.

Group Discussion and Sharing (10 minutes)

• Sharing Session: Students display their finished works and share the inspiration behind their designs, reflecting on how they incorporated traditional elements.
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback, highlighting both the creative process and cultural understanding demonstrated in their designs.

Conclusion and Review (5 minutes)

• Recap the day's activities, summarising key learning outcomes and reflecting on the cultural appreciation gained.
• Assign a reflective homework task where students write about the significance of preserving traditional arts and how they can be adapted in a modern context.

Additional Notes:

• Ensure that all discussions and activities are conducted with cultural sensitivity and awareness, especially considering the significance of Tapa Cloth in Pacific cultures.
• Encourage students to visit Te Papa's collections for further research and inspiration.

This lesson not only adheres to the New Zealand Curriculum standards but also fosters respect and appreciation for cultural diversity, particularly the rich heritage of New Zealand's Pacific neighbours.