Māori Art & Language

Lesson 1: Introduction to Māori Art and Language

Overview

In this 40-minute introductory lesson for Year 8 students, learners will explore the cultural significance of Māori art forms and language. The lesson focuses on two traditional Māori symbols: the koru and the manaia. Students will examine their meanings and understand how art and language are intertwined in Māori culture. This foundational session prepares students for deeper exploration throughout the unit.

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Learning Objectives

Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Learning Languages & The Arts) for Year 8, students will:

• Recognise and understand culturally significant Māori symbols (koru and manaia) and their meanings.
• Explore how Māori art expresses values and narratives in te ao Māori (the Māori world).
• Develop oral and visual communication skills by discussing and representing the symbols.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how language (te reo Māori) and art work together to convey cultural identity and knowledge.

Curriculum references:

• Learning Languages (Level 4):

  • Communication: "Use familiar expressions and simple language to communicate about matters of personal interest and everyday situations."
  • Language: "Understand how language connects with cultural practices, ideas and viewpoints."

• The Arts (Level 4):

  • Understanding the Arts in Context: "Explore how artists use the elements of the arts to communicate ideas, feelings, and stories."
  • Developing Practical Knowledge and Ideas: "Use selected materials, techniques, and processes confidently to express ideas."

• Key Competencies:

  • Participating and contributing — engaging with cultural knowledge and communicating respectfully;
  • Thinking — making sense of cultural symbols and connecting them to language and identity.

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Materials Needed

• Visuals/artwork of koru and manaia (printed images or digital display)
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers/coloured pencils
• Worksheets with symbol outlines for drawing
• Audio device for playing waiata or spoken te reo greetings (optional)
• Short text/sentences in te reo Māori describing koru and manaia (prepared by teacher)

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Lesson Outline (40 minutes)

1. Manaakitanga – Welcome and Whakarongo – Listening (5 minutes)

• Begin with a warm greeting in te reo Māori, using simple phrases (e.g., Tēnā koutou katoa).
• Briefly introduce the lesson topic: Māori art and language are deeply connected.
• Play a short waiata or a greeting in te reo Māori to engage students’ listening skills and set the cultural tone.

2. Whakawhanaungatanga – Connecting & Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)

• Ask students what they know about Māori art or Māori language.
• Show images of koru and manaia.
• Encourage students to share any prior knowledge or guesses about what the symbols mean.

3. Whakaako – Teaching & Exploration (10 minutes)

• Present a short explanation of each symbol:
  • Koru: A spiral shape representing new life, growth, peace, and renewal, inspired by the unfurling fern frond.
  • Manaia: A mythical creature often depicted as a bird-like figure or guardian, symbolising protection and spiritual guidance.
• Show examples of how these symbols appear in carving, painting, and tattooing.
• Read aloud simple sentences in te reo Māori describing the symbols, pointing out key vocabulary.

4. Mahi Toi – Art Activity (15 minutes)

• Hand out worksheets with outlines of koru and manaia.
• Instruct students to colour and decorate the symbols based on what they have learned.
• Encourage creativity but also respect for the cultural meanings.
• While students work, circulate and prompt discussion about the symbols and the language terms used.

5. Whakarāpopototanga – Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Invite students to share their decorated symbols and say one thing they learned about either the koru or manaia.
• Recap the connection between the symbols and Māori language and culture.
• Set expectations for the next lessons where they will explore more symbols and phrases.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observe participation and engagement during discussions.
• Collect the art worksheets to assess understanding of the koru and manaia shapes and their symbolic decoration.
• Listen for correct use or recognition of simple te reo Māori terms during sharing.
• Assess understanding of the integration of art and language based on students’ reflections.

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Adaptations for Diverse Learners

• Provide vocabulary posters and visual aids for new learners of te reo Māori.
• Scaffold language by modelling sentence frames (e.g., "Ko te koru te tohu mō...").
• Use physical artefacts or 3D models if available to support tactile learners.
• Pair students collaboratively to encourage peer support.

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Teacher Notes

• This lesson purposefully integrates learning languages and the arts, reflecting the curriculum's encouragement to connect learning areas in meaningful contexts.
• Emphasise whanaungatanga (relationship building) to respect and value Māori culture.
• Reinforce key competencies like participating and contributing and thinking by encouraging curiosity about te ao Māori.
• Follow up with lessons that deepen language acquisition through storytelling, performing waiata, and creating whakataukī (proverbs) connected with Māori art symbols.

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Suggested Further Resources (Teacher Use Only)

• Māori language learning books tailored for Year 8
• Videos showing traditional carving and weaving
• Local iwi resources or guest speakers to share stories about symbols

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By setting this rich cultural and linguistic foundation, students are supported to appreciate Māori cultural expressions and develop skills in te reo Māori communication in line with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh .