Marae Preparation Day

Overview

This detailed 360-minute plan guides Year 5 students (25 pupils) through interdisciplinary activities to prepare respectfully and knowledgeably for a marae visit. It integrates Social Studies, English, The Arts, and Physical Education, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and centered on tikanga Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand contexts.

Learning Objectives

Social Studies

Understand the significance of the marae as a cultural and social place in Māori communities.
Recognise appropriate tikanga and protocols for a marae visit.
Identify the relationships between people, places, and events in the context of a marae.

English

Comprehend and discuss texts describing marae and tikanga, inferring meanings and cultural significance.
Use appropriate vocabulary and language structures to explain ideas about cultural protocols.
Create informative and respectful writing related to marae preparation.

The Arts

Explore visual and performing arts related to marae (e.g., whakairo, waiata, haka).
Create artistic representations that reflect understanding of marae symbolism.
Participate in group performance to build community and respect.

Physical Education

Develop respectful movement and posture appropriate for a marae setting.
Participate in waiata wero (challenge songs), and basic haka movements.
Engage in cooperative games that build communication and respect.

Curriculum Links and Competencies

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh:
- Social Sciences: Understand that tangata whenua and Māori are central to Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and history.
- English: Develop comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills through culturally relevant texts. Use language for different purposes and audiences.
- Arts: Connect imagination and feelings to express cultural understandings.
- Health and Physical Education: Demonstrate respect for people and places; develop confident movement skills.
Key Competencies: Managing self, relating to others, participating and contributing, thinking.

Detailed Schedule

Time	Activity	Description	Resources	Curriculum References
0-20 min	Welcome & Whakarāpopototanga (Overview)	Greet students, introduce the day's kaupapa, discuss the importance of the marae and its role in Māori culture. Establish respect as the key value for the day.	Visual timeline or image of marae, whiteboard	Social Sciences – Understand tikanga and marae roles
20-60 min	Social Studies: Marae Structure and Tikanga	Interactive group session exploring parts of the marae (wharenui, wharekai, pōwhiri space), their uses, and tikanga protocols (e.g., pōwhiri process, karanga, hongi). Use picture cards for key areas and actions. Include respectful behaviour discussion.	Marae diagram cards, video clips of pōwhiri (pre-recorded), role cards	Social Sciences – Understand people’s connection to place; English – experience cultural texts
60-110 min	English: Reading & Vocabulary Exploration	Read a culturally appropriate text about marae and pōwhiri. Teach vocabulary (tikanga, karanga, wharenui, pōwhiri, mana, whānau). Use context clues and word parts to infer meanings (e.g., suffix -ful in ‘respectful’). Pupils highlight key words and discuss meanings in pairs.	Text handouts, vocabulary cards, dictionaries	English – vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, cultural texts 【4:0-3†Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】
110-140 min	English: Writing to Inform - Marae Preparation Guide	Students write a short, multi-paragraph guide “How to behave respectfully on a marae”, including introduction, main points (dos and don'ts), and conclusion. Use linking phrases (e.g., because, for example). Peer feedback sessions included.	Writing templates, word banks, dictionaries	English – writing to inform, paragraph structure, editing【4:4-6†Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】
140-150 min	Brain Break with Te Reo Waiata	Sing simple waiata related to welcome and respect (e.g., “Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi”). Teach basic actions to accompany waiata.	Audio/visual setup, lyric sheets	Arts & PE – music and movement for cultural engagement
150-190 min	Arts: Whakairo and Symbolism	Explore Māori carving motifs found on the wharenui, discussing their meanings. Pupils create their own symbolic pattern using coloured pencils or clay. Connect their designs to whakapapa or their family stories.	Images of whakairo, art materials	Arts – expressing cultural ideas and connections
190-220 min	Physical Education: Movement & Protocol Practice	Teach students safe and respectful ways to move on the marae, especially entering and leaving the wharenui. Practice basic posture for pōwhiri (e.g., standing still during karanga), hongi rehearsal, and a simple haka sequence emphasizing unity and respect.	Open space, audio haka	Health and PE – confident, respectful movement; cooperation
220-260 min	Role-play Simulation of a Pōwhiri	In small groups, assign roles: kaumātua, manuhiri, kaikaranga, kaikaranga responders, speakers. Practice taking turns, karanga calls, hongi greetings, and introducing themselves (using pepeha style). Teacher models and guides respectfully.	Role cards, marae props (e.g., cloaks, taiaha replicas)	Social Sciences & English – understanding ceremonies, oral language skills, cultural protocols
260-290 min	Reflection and Discussion Circle	Students share feelings or questions about visiting a marae, what they learnt about respect and tikanga, and what they look forward to. Use prompt questions to guide discussion (e.g., “Why is it important to be respectful on a marae?”).	Talking piece, reflection prompts	Key Competencies – relating to others, managing self
290-325 min	Arts & Technology Integration: Digital Marae Story	Using tablets or computers, students compile photos/drawings from the day into a digital presentation or simple eBook about marae preparation. Add captions and voice recordings explaining their work and what respect means on the marae.	Tablets/computers, presentation software	English, Arts & Technology – multimodal communication
325-355 min	Physical Education: Cooperative Games with Tikanga Focus	Play games that encourage cooperation, listening, and respect, e.g., “Pass the Taonga” (a sacred object), where pupils must move silently and carefully pass a 'taonga' without dropping it.	Soft ball or symbolic taonga	Health and PE – cooperative skills, respect
355-360 min	Closing Karakia and Kōrero	End with a karakia to show respect and a brief review of the day. Assign any reminders for the marae visit the next day.	Karakia sheet	Social Sciences & Health – acknowledging cultural values

Assessment Opportunities

Formative Assessment through observation during role play and group discussions regarding understanding of tikanga.
Written Assessment from the “Marae Preparation Guide” writing task—check for purpose, structure, use of linking words, cultural respect in writing.
Self and Peer Assessment during editing and reflection activities to foster awareness of own learning and respectful behaviour.
Oral Language Assessment through participation in waiata, haka, and pōwhiri simulation roles.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide scaffolded vocabulary support and sentence starters for writing.
Use peer support and varied groupings during role-play and arts.
Offer multi-sensory learning materials (visuals, audio, movement).
Include digital tools to support learners with writing challenges.
Adapt physical activities considering students’ physical needs.

Final Notes

This plan models respectful engagement with tikanga Māori and provides a culturally rich, interdisciplinary preparation for a marae visit, meeting New Zealand Curriculum Refresh objectives, including English language development, Arts, Social Science concepts, and Health and Physical Education competencies.

This integrated approach also develops the five Key Competencies: managing self and relating to others through real-life cultural experiences. The lesson encourages students to know their place within Aotearoa as respectful tangata whenua and manuhiri, underpinning lifelong learning about te ao Māori.

If you need, I can also create detailed activity sheets or templates for any part of this lesson.

References

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh: English, Social Sciences, The Arts, Health and Physical Education (Years 4-6)【4:0-8†Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】【10:0-16†New Zealand Curriculum.html】

Teaching Instructions