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Journey of the Waka

NZ History • Year preschool • 15 • 12 students • Created with AI following Aligned with New Zealand Curriculum

NZ History
lYear preschool
15
12 students
16 March 2025

Teaching Instructions

Create a plan about the waka that arrived to new zealand shores including resources and colouring in pieces.

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.

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!"

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!

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