Introduction to Siva

Context

This is lesson 1 of 10 in the unit Sustaining Samoan Siva for Year 3 students (aged 7-8) in New Zealand. The lesson introduces Samoan Siva, exploring its origins and cultural significance. Students will engage with the topic through discussion and hands-on activities, supporting diverse learners with scaffolds and dyslexia-friendly options.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

We Are Learning To understand the origins of Samoan Siva.
Recognise the cultural importance of Siva to Samoan identity.
Share what we already know and what we want to learn about Siva.

Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, specifically:

Social Sciences (Aotearoa NZ Histories)

Achievement Objective:
- Understand how cultural traditions and practices, such as dance, connect people to their identity and history (Social Sciences, Levels 1–2) .

Key Competencies (Across Curriculum)

Thinking: Explore and reflect on ideas about cultural identity.
Using language, symbols, and texts: Communicate ideas about Siva through discussion.
Relating to others: Share cultural knowledge respectfully.
Managing self: Set personal learning goals about Siva.
Participating and contributing: Participate actively in class discussions.

English (Oral Language)

Develop verbal reasoning by recounting and presenting ideas clearly and engagingly (English, Year 3) .

Success Criteria

I can explain what Samoan Siva is.
I can say why Siva is important to Samoan people.
I can ask questions about what I want to learn.
I can listen respectfully to others' ideas.
I can share my own experiences or ideas about dance or culture.

Materials Needed

Pictures or short video clip of Samoan Siva (dance performance).
Chart paper or whiteboard for mind mapping.
Conversation prompts/question cards.
Dyslexia-friendly printed fact sheets with simple language and images about Siva.
Puppets or props representing characters/story elements related to Siva (optional).

Lesson Timings and Activities (45 minutes)

1. Warm-up & Activation (10 minutes)

Activity: Circle time discussion: "What kinds of dances or celebrations do we know? Has anyone seen a Samoan Siva or dance before?"
Use visuals to prompt discussion; encourage learners to share.
Scaffold language with sentence starters and question prompts for reluctant or English language learners.
Record ideas on a shared chart or digital board.

2. Introduction to Samoan Siva (10 minutes)

Show a short video or a picture slide of Samoan Siva.
Explain simply that Siva is a traditional Samoan dance telling stories, showing feelings, and connecting people to their culture.
Use a dyslexia-friendly fact sheet with key points and images.
Teacher models thinking aloud linking Siva’s movements to meaning and identity.

3. Think-Pair-Share (10 minutes)

Students think individually: "What do you find interesting about Samoan Siva?"
Pair with a buddy to share thoughts and questions.
Teacher circulates, supporting with language scaffolds and prompting questions.
Invite some pairs to share with the whole class.

4. Creating Our Questions (10 minutes)

As a class, create a “Wonder Wall” or mind map of questions about Samoan Siva.
Teacher writes questions on chart paper.
Explain these questions will guide learning for the next lessons.
Offer differentiated support: visual question cards, oral input, and written options.

5. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes)

Recap key points: “Siva is special because…”
Use thumbs up/down, smiley face charts, or simple self-assessments: “I learned something new,” “I asked a question,” “I listened well.”
Outline what will happen next lesson (e.g., learning some Siva movements).

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Language learners	Use visuals, sentence starters, guided speaking frames, and peer support.
Diverse learners	Provide fact sheets in dyslexia-friendly fonts, use oral storytelling and video supports.
Students with ADHD	Incorporate short breaks, movement opportunities (stand to share), and clear routines.
Advanced learners	Invite them to help create more detailed questions or draw connections to their own culture.
ECE/Junior writers	Provide drawing or dictation options instead of writing for Wonder Wall questions.

Extension Activity for Advanced Learners

Create a mini-performance: Encourage students to create a simple Siva-inspired movement expressing a feeling or story, to be shared in a later lesson.

Assessment & Feedback

Informal formative assessment through observation of participation in discussions and sharing.
Use questioning to gauge understanding of Siva’s cultural importance.
Record student questions as evidence of curiosity and engagement for future planning.

This lesson plan not only builds knowledge of Samoan Siva but fosters positive cultural identities, oral communication skills, and collaboration in line with the values and competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh.

If you want I can provide a printable version or activity sheets tailored for this lesson!

Teaching Instructions