Journey of the Waka

Curriculum Area

Aotearoa New Zealand Histories – Te Takanga o Te Wā
Level: Early Learning (Preschool)

Lesson Duration

15 minutes

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand that Māori ancestors arrived in Aotearoa by waka.
• Recognise what a waka looks like and its significance.
• Engage in a creative activity related to waka.

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Lesson Plan

1. Karakia & Introduction (2 minutes)

• Start with a simple karakia to set the tone for learning.
• Show a small wooden waka model or a picture and ask:
  • "What do you think this is?"
  • "Have you seen something like this before?"

2. Story Time – The Journey of the Waka (4 minutes)

• Sit students in a semi-circle.
• Tell a short, engaging story about the first waka arriving in Aotearoa.
• Use a visual storytelling approach with a large illustrated map of the Pacific.
• Emphasise exploration and discovery:
  • "Long ago, people travelled across the ocean in special wooden boats called waka."
  • "They listened to the stars, winds, and birds to find their way to Aotearoa!"

3. Movement Activity – Waka on the Ocean (3 minutes)

• Students pretend to be in a waka:
  • Sit in a row, one behind the other.
  • Use imaginary paddles to "row" together while chanting "Hoea te waka" (Paddle the waka).
  • One student or teacher acts as the wind, gently blowing to help ‘push’ the waka forward.

4. Creative Activity – Waka Colouring (5 minutes)

• Provide each student with a simple waka outline to colour in.
• Ask students to decorate their waka using crayons, pastels, or stickers.
• Encourage them to include waves, stars, or whānau (family) in their drawings to connect to the journey theme.

5. Show & Share (1 minute)

• Invite students to share their completed waka pictures.
• Acknowledge their creativity and reinforce the learning:
  • "All these waka are different, just like the ones that first came to Aotearoa!"

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Resources & Preparation

• Wooden waka model or picture.
• Illustrated map showing Polynesian migration.
• A3 waka colouring sheets.
• Crayons, pastels, stickers.

Teacher Notes

• Keep explanations short and engaging.
• Encourage active participation through movement.
• Use simple te reo Māori phrases like "waka" and "moana" (ocean).

Reflection & Extension

• Observe which students engage most with the movement vs colouring activities.
• Extend the topic by introducing a simple waiata (song) about waka.
• Explore making small paper or cardboard waka with students next time.

Teacher’s WOW Factor:

This interactive lesson brings history to life through movement, storytelling, and creativity – perfect for preschool learners!