Koru Art Techniques

Lesson Overview

In this 40-minute lesson for Year 8 students, learners will explore the Māori koru symbol more deeply by creating their own koru-inspired artworks using oil pastels and scratch art techniques. This activity will enhance their understanding of Māori culture, language (te reo Māori), and artistic expression, aligning with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. Students will learn about the symbolism of the koru—growth, renewal, and new beginnings—and practise relevant te reo Māori vocabulary through hands-on creative experience and reflective discussion.

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Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Learning Languages (Te Reo Māori focus) & The Arts

• Purpose: Learn to communicate in an additional language and explore different worldviews.
• Key Competencies:
  • Using language, symbols, and texts — using te reo Māori vocabulary in context.
  • Thinking — connecting cultural symbolism to personal creativity.
  • Relating to others — sharing ideas and respecting cultural meanings.

Achievement Objectives (Year 7-8) — Learning Languages:

• Communicate in te reo Māori using familiar vocabulary and sentence structures.
• Explore and describe aspects of Māori culture through language, symbols, and arts.

Achievement Objectives (Year 7-8) — The Arts:

• Explore and use imaginative ideas and symbols from Māori culture to create art.
• Use appropriate materials and techniques (e.g. oil pastels, scratch art) to create visual pieces.

Values Highlighted:

• Whanaungatanga (relationships) — sharing cultural learning respectfully.
• Manaakitanga (hospitality, respect) — honouring te reo and Māori art symbols.

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Recognise and explain the symbolism of the koru in Māori culture as representing growth and new beginnings.
2. Use te reo Māori vocabulary relating to the koru and art materials correctly (e.g., "koru", "pakiaka" [roots], "pūtahi" [coil spiral], "āhua" [shape], "kāhua toi" [art technique]).
3. Apply oil pastels and scratch art techniques to create an original koru design expressing growth and renewal.
4. Reflect and share their artwork and the meaning behind it using simple te reo Māori phrases.

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Resources

• Images/examples of koru art
• White cardstock or black scratch art paper
• Oil pastels
• Scratch tools or wooden styluses
• Vocabulary flashcards with te reo Māori terms and meanings
• Chart with koru symbolism notes in English and te reo Māori
• Visual glossary (illustrations of art tools and vocabulary)

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Lesson Timing and Activities

Time	Activity	Description	NZC Alignment & Notes
0-5 min	Introduction & Cultural Context	- Brief revisiting of koru symbolism (growth, new beginnings).

• Introduce key te reo Māori vocabulary related to koru and art tools.
• Use images and a short story explaining koru symbolism. | Foster cultural understanding & language use; key competencies: thinking, using language, | | 5-10 min| Demonstrate Art Techniques | - Show how to use oil pastels to create gradients and layering on white paper.
• Demonstrate scratch art technique on black paper to reveal colours beneath. | Develop skills in The Arts; connect creativity and cultural symbols | | 10-25 min| Create Koru Designs | - Students choose either oil pastel or scratch art medium.
• Encourage use of koru-inspired swirling and unfolding shapes.
• Circulate to support vocabulary use and technique. | Hands-on art-making; language integration in context; support diverse learners | | 25-35 min| Peer Sharing & Language Practice | - Students present their artwork in small groups using simple sentences with te reo Māori vocabulary.
• Facilitated prompts like: "Ko tēnei taku…" (This is my…), "He koru tēnei mō..." (This koru is for…), "He…" (It is…) | Support confidence in oral language; interpersonal communication; manaakitanga | | 35-40 min| Reflection & Wrap-up | - Class reflection on koru as a symbol and what they learnt.
• Reinforce vocabulary and cultural meaning.
• Option for journaling or drawing quick personal koru symbol for growth. | Build identity and cultural connection; promote metacognitive skills |

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Key Vocabulary (te reo Māori with English)

Te Reo Māori	English	Usage
koru	koru (spiral fern shape)	Symbolises new life, growth, renewal
pakiaka	root	Start/base of the koru
pūtahi	coil/spiral	Describes the shape of koru
āhua	shape/form	Used when describing artwork
toi (toi toi)	art, artistic	Describing art and creativity
pākōkore	oil pastel	Medium to create colour blending
toi ā-rangi	scratch art	Technique revealing colour beneath black layer
hou, tipu	new, growth	Concepts symbolised by koru
waihanga	create, make	Action of creating art

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Teaching and Assessment Notes

• Formative Assessment:
  Observe students’ use of te reo Māori vocabulary during task and sharing. Check for correct identification of koru symbolism in discussion.
• Inclusion:
  Provide vocabulary visuals and sentence frames for students needing extra language support. Use paired work to scaffold language and technique.
• Responsive Teaching:
  Adapt art materials as needed for fine motor ability. Emphasise cultural respect when discussing Māori symbols. Allow choice of art technique for engagement.
• Reflection:
  Encourage students to connect koru’s meaning with personal growth experiences, fostering identity and positive wellbeing (Taha Hinengaro).

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Additional Notes

• This lesson integrates the Learning Languages and The Arts curriculum areas reflecting the holistic model of Te Mātaiaho.
• It nurtures students’ cultural identity and communication skills while promoting creativity and critical thinking through art—a practical mahi toi engagement.
• The use of te reo Māori vocabulary in practical contexts supports language acquisition according to current literacy teaching principles (explicit vocabulary teaching, meaningful contextual use).

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This plan provides a rich, culturally grounded, interactive experience designed to meet the updated New Zealand Curriculum standards with engagement and depth for Year 8 learners.