Key Elements Narratives

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is the second in the 18-lesson unit "Exploring Māori Stories" designed for Year 13 students studying Te Reo Māori. It concentrates on identifying and analysing the key elements of Māori narratives — such as themes (kaupapa), characters (tangata), and morals (tikanga). The session uses selected Māori stories as texts and culminates in group presentations where students summarise and interpret the narratives.

The lesson is aligned with the NCEA Level 3 Te Reo Māori achievement standards, particularly those focusing on comprehension and analysis of Māori oral and written texts, supporting students’ literacy and critical thinking skills in Te Reo Māori.

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Curriculum Alignment

NCEA Level 3 Achievement Standards:

• AS90997 (3.4) - Respond critically to significant aspects of studied Māori texts, supported by evidence.
• AS91633 (3.13) - Analyse aspects of language features and text structures in Māori texts.
• Key Competencies: Thinking; Using language, symbols, and texts; Participating and contributing.

Learning Objectives:

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

• Identify key elements of Māori narratives: themes, characters, and morals.
• Analyse how these elements contribute to the overall message of the story.
• Collaborate effectively to present a clear summary and interpretation.
• Demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking skills at Level 3 NCEA expectations.

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Success Criteria

Students will be successful when they can:

• Accurately name and explain the themes, characters, and morals within the story.
• Provide examples from the text explaining their analysis.
• Present their findings clearly and confidently in a group setting.
• Engage respectfully in group discussions and activities.

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Resources

• Selected Māori stories texts (both written and oral — printouts and audio as available)
• Story guides summarising key vocabulary and narrative structure
• Whiteboard and markers or digital interactive board
• Dyslexia-friendly printouts (e.g., sans-serif font, spaced lines, coloured paper if possible)
• Presentation templates or graphic organisers for group work

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Lesson Structure

1. Kōrero Whakaata - Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief oral discussion on Māori storytelling traditions (Pūrākau) and why narratives hold importance in Māori culture.
• Highlight the three key narrative elements (kaupapa/themes, tangata/characters, tikanga/morals) to be explored today.
• Share the success criteria clearly with the students.

2. Pānui Pukapuka - Reading and Listening (15 minutes)

• Distribute selected Māori story texts (ensure dyslexia-friendly versions available for students who need them).
• If possible, play an audio reading of a story segment to support auditory learners and those with reading difficulties.
• Students read silently or follow along, marking or noting where they identify themes, characters, and morals.

3. Rōpū Whakataki - Group Analysis (20 minutes)

• Divide class into groups of 5; each group gets a different story or passage.
• Provide story guides that break down narrative elements to scaffold understanding for struggling learners.
• Groups identify and discuss key elements of their narrative using graphic organisers.
• Advanced learners encouraged to consider how these elements interrelate and reflect Māori values or societal lessons.

4. Whakaatu - Presentations (10 minutes)

• Groups present a 3-5 minute summary explaining the key elements and their significance.
• Peers and teacher ask clarifying questions to deepen understanding.
• Teacher provides oral feedback highlighting good use of evidence and clear expression.

5. Whakarāpopototanga & Mahi Kāinga - Wrap Up and Homework (5 minutes)

• Recap the importance of recognising key elements in Māori narratives for interpreting culture and values.
• Homework: Choose a Māori narrative not covered in class; identify one theme, character, and moral. Prepare to discuss or write a short reflection next lesson.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For struggling readers: Provide story guides and dyslexia-friendly materials; use audio versions; pair with supportive peers.
• For English language learners: Pre-teach essential vocabulary related to narrative elements; visual aids and bilingual glossaries.
• For advanced learners: Challenge to compare multiple narratives or examine how narrative elements connect to contemporary Māori issues.

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Extension Activities

• Create a multimodal presentation (video/audio/graphics) to illustrate the narrative elements with visual storytelling.
• Research and present a Māori legend alongside its variations across iwi (tribes), analysing differences in themes and morals.
• Write an original short Māori narrative incorporating clear themes, characters, and morals aligned with Māori worldviews.

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This lesson plan fosters a rich understanding of Māori storytelling elements while supporting diverse learners through scaffolding, differentiation, and engagement strategies. It encourages critical thinking and collaboration, aligning closely with NCEA Level 3 standards for Language and Literature in Te Reo Māori.