Kia Ora Foundations

Lesson 1 of 10 in the Unit: Exploring Te Reo Māori

Subject: Languages
Curriculum Level: Level 7, New Zealand Curriculum
Year Group: Year 12
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Curriculum Context:
Aligned with Learning Languages in the New Zealand Curriculum and the Achievement Standards for NCEA Level 2 – Te Reo Māori.

Focus on Communication strand and aspects of Language Knowledge and Cultural Knowledge. Supports development of key competencies: Using language, symbols, and texts, and Relating to others.

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Lesson Title

Introduction to Te Reo Māori

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Lesson Description

Students will begin their journey into Te Reo Māori through a cultural and linguistic lens. This introductory lesson aims to establish foundational knowledge of the language’s significance, support pronunciation confidence, and explore essential greetings and phrases used in everyday communication.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Explain the cultural and historical significance of Te Reo Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand.
2. Pronounce and use common greetings and basic phrases correctly.
3. Engage in a short introductory dialogue using Te Reo Māori.
4. Reflect on the importance of language revitalisation within a bicultural nation.

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Big Idea / Significant Learning

Language is culture, and culture is language. Through learning Te Reo Māori, ākonga develop a deeper connection to Aotearoa and contribute to language revitalisation efforts.

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Key Competencies

• Participating and contributing: Connecting with Te Ao Māori and understanding one's place in Aotearoa.
• Relating to others: Demonstrating respect through language use and pronunciation.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Engaging with Te Reo Māori as a living, usable language.

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Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed phrase sheets (with macrons correctly used)
• Audio recordings of native speakers (for pronunciation support)
• Mini vowel/pronunciation cards for pair activities
• A classroom set of "Te Kete Kupu – Starter Phrases" booklets

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Lesson Sequence

⏰ 0–10 mins | Whanaungatanga & Whakauru – Building Connection

Activity: Karakia + cultural kōrero

• Begin with a short karakia timatanga (opening karakia) — encourage voluntary student participation.
• Introduce yourself in Te Reo Māori modelled mihi example.
• Share a short story of your personal connection to Te Reo Māori or a whakataukī like:
  “Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori.” – “The language is the life essence of the Māori identity.”
  Purpose: Establishing a respectful and reflective tone.

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⏰ 10–20 mins | He Tuhinga: What is Te Reo Māori?

Activity: Group Inquiry Circle (4 groups of 5)

• Each group has a different envelope with a small reading card: topics include Te Reo Māori pre-1840, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and language rights, Urbanisation and decline, Language revival movements (e.g. Kōhanga Reo, Māori Television).
  Task: Groups read and create a quick "3 facts and 1 question" sheet to share.
  Follow-up Discussion: Collectively discuss what students found surprising or important.
  Purpose: Building socio-historical understanding of the language and its resilience.

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⏰ 20–35 mins | Whakarongo Mai – Listen In

Activity: Guided Pronunciation Carousel — Vowel Focus

• Use 5 sound stations based on vowel combinations (a, e, i, o, u) with audio, visual cards, and phonetic breakdowns.
• Students rotate every 3 minutes, practicing aloud and listening.
  Extension Task (for early finishers): Try reading an iwi name or place from a challenge card aloud.

Purpose: Boost pronunciation confidence and auditory familiarity.

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⏰ 35–50 mins | Pēhea Koe? – How Are You?

Activity: Interactive “Greetings Match & Mingle”

• Use printed phrases such as:
  Tēnā koe, Kei te pēhea koe?
  Kei te pai ahau, āe! Ko wai tō ingoa?
• Students circulate, mix-and-match phrases off cards, role-play, and log a minimum of 3 mini conversations.
• Scaffolded role card support offered to learners who need prompts.
  Language Focus:
  • Tēnā koe / kōrua / koutou
  • Kei te pēhea koe?
  • Ko [name] tōku ingoa.

Purpose: Use functional language in context with minimal pressure.

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⏰ 50–55 mins | Whaiwhakaaro – Reflect

Activity: Quick Write / Think-Pair-Share

• Prompt: Why is learning Te Reo Māori important — for you, your community, and our country?
• Share thoughts with a partner, then offer three volunteers to share aloud.

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⏰ 55–60 mins | Whakakapi – Wrap-Up

Activity: Quick "Reo Bingo" game

• Play a short, three-round bingo using the greetings and vowel sounds covered to reinforce learning and assess who’s confident with new kupu (words).
• Hand out phrase cards for home practice.

Homework Prompt: Practise your mihi using our phrase starter sheet – we’ll build on it next lesson. Record yourself saying it for optional feedback.

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Assessment for Learning

✔ Observation/checklist during pronunciation and role-play sessions
✔ Student written reflection (collected for review)
✔ Informal diagnostic through bingo and oral participation

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Differentiation

• Visual prompts and cue cards for ESOL or neurodiverse learners
• Pronunciation stations allow kinaesthetic and auditory learners to engage in multiple formats
• Extension: Students with prior Te Reo can help lead stations or model pronunciation

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Māori Concepts Embedded

• Manaakitanga: Welcoming and supporting each other in a safe learning space
• Ako: Reciprocal learning with teacher and students as knowledge partners
• Whanaungatanga: Building class community through shared cultural enrichment
• Mātauranga Māori: Integrating indigenous knowledge as a central learning pillar

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Teacher Notes / Reflection Prompt

After the lesson, reflect:
Did students engage confidently with the greetings?
How well do they understand the significance of revitalising Te Reo Māori?
Who may need extra support with pronunciation before Lesson 2?

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This is more than a language lesson — it's the first step in a journey to deepen identity, connection, and cultural understanding. Ka mau te wehi!