He Kākano

Overview

This 30-minute session is the first in a seven-lesson unit called "Te Reo Māori: Summer Discovery." It is designed for preschool students (approximately ages 3-5) in New Zealand. The focus is introducing basic te reo Māori vocabulary related to summer and the natural environment, highlighting flora and fauna names. The lesson supports identity and communication development, grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum's Learning Languages strand and is tailored to early childhood learners.

Curriculum Alignment

Curriculum Area: Learning Languages – Te reo Māori Year Level: Early Childhood / Preschool (Years 0-1) Curriculum Strands: Mana Reo (Communication) Key Competencies:

Communication – expressing ideas and feelings in te reo Māori
Participating and Contributing – interacting with peers through shared language activities
Relating to Others – building a sense of belonging through language and cultural connection

Relevant New Zealand Curriculum Learning Objectives:

Engage in basic oral communication using simple Māori vocabulary related to everyday environments, particularly nature and seasons.
Develop vocabulary understanding through speaking, listening, and visual recognition.
Demonstrate growing confidence in using te reo phrases to talk about the summer environment.
Connect te reo Māori vocabulary with the children's immediate experiences of summer and nature.

This aligns to the strands and phases of Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood Curriculum, focusing on Mana Reo (Communication) and Mana Aotūroa (Exploration). It also supports identity development by linking language and connection to the environment.

Learning Objectives

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

Recognise and respond to 6-8 basic Māori vocabulary words representing summer-related flora and fauna (e.g., pōhutukawa, kererū, manu, mimiwhangata).
Use simple oral te reo Māori greetings and phrases to identify these words.
Engage in a group activity that links vocabulary to sensory experience and visual imagery.
Express curiosity and joy in learning te reo Māori connected to their local environment.

Resources

Colourful picture cards or large posters of native summer plants (pōhutukawa, harakeke) and birds/animals (kererū, mimiwhangata)
Real or fake props such as leaves, flowers, feathers (safe and tactile)
Audio playback of sounds related to native birds or summer environments (optional)
A short illustrated children’s story or rhyme about summer nature in te reo Māori
Whiteboard or easel with marker for writing simple words and phrases
Comfortable circle seating area for group interaction

Lesson Outline

1. Welcome and Whanaungatanga (5 minutes)

Begin with a warm greeting in te reo Māori: “Tēnā koutou katoa! Nau mai ki te akomanga.”
Introduce the lesson's focus with a few simple phrases: “Ā tēnei wā, ka ako tātou i ngā kupu mō te raumati me te taiao.” (Today, we’ll learn words about summer and nature.)
Sing a simple welcome waiata that includes the word “kākano” (seed), connecting to the lesson title He Kākano. Example: a simple waiata with repetition inviting participation.
Encourage each child to say their name and share one summer-related word if they know it, in any language.

2. Introduction to Vocabulary (10 minutes)

Show colourful picture cards one at a time, pronouncing the te reo Māori words clearly (e.g., pōhutukawa, kererū, manu, mimiwhangata, harakeke, kaimoana).
Use props to help make the words tactile and memorable (e.g., touch a pōhutukawa flower or a feather representing a kererū).
Repeat the words chorally, using call-and-response style: teacher says the word; children repeat.
Use simple descriptive phrases, e.g., “Tēnei te pōhutukawa – rakau whero i te raumati.” (This is the pōhutukawa – a tree that is red in summer.)
Include sensory questions such as: “Kei te pēhea te kiri o te harakeke? Mākū? Pāhekeheke?” (How does harakeke leaf feel? Wet? Smooth?) to invite student engagement using senses.

3. Interactive Story or Rhyme Time (5 minutes)

Read or recite a short illustrated story or rhyme about summer and nature using the target vocabulary.
Emphasise repetition of the vocabulary words.
Invite children to point to the pictures and say the words aloud together.
Use gestures and pictures to support comprehension.

4. Movement and Matching Game (7 minutes)

Play an active game to match vocabulary with pictures or props.
Example: Spread picture cards on the floor or wall. Call out a word, and students move to stand by the matching card or hold the appropriate prop.
Alternatively, play a "Find the seed (kākano)" where children find hidden seed cards amongst summer-related objects.
Praise students for using the Māori vocabulary during the activity.

5. Reflection and Karakia (3 minutes)

Gather students back in the circle. Ask children which new word they liked best, encouraging even simple repetition or pointing.
Recap the vocabulary quickly with visual cues.
End with a simple karakia or chant thanking the natural world, connecting to te ao Māori values. For example: “E ngā atua o te raumati, whakapaingia ā tātou kupu, ā tātou mahi. Amine.”
Encourage students to share words learned with their whānau that day.

Assessment

Adapted for preschool learners, assessment will be informal and observational:

Teacher listens and notes student participation in repeating new vocabulary.
Observe engagement during activities (e.g., can children point to or select correct picture when prompted in te reo Māori).
Note any spontaneous use of summer vocabulary words or attempts to use them in simple phrases.
Use friendly prompting to extend vocabulary recall, supporting those who need help.

This formative assessment supports responsive planning for follow-up lessons aligned to building vocabulary and oral communication skills in te reo Māori as outlined in the New Zealand Curriculum Learning Languages strand for early learners.

Teacher Reflection Prompts

Which vocabulary words engaged the children most?
How successful were the sensory and movement activities in supporting vocabulary retention?
Were the children comfortable responding in te reo Māori? What support might help in the next lessons?
How did the class integrate cultural values and respect through language?
What adaptations might engage different learning styles next time?

This plan embraces the spirit of the New Zealand Curriculum by integrating language learning with cultural identity, connection to the natural environment, and fostering communication competency suitable for preschool learners. The thematic focus on summer flora and fauna respects their immediate world and nurtures their kākano (seed) of knowledge in te reo Māori.

Teaching Instructions