Year Levels

Years 1-8 (with differentiated versions for years 1-3 and 4-8)

Duration

90 minutes (can be adapted to 45 minutes or 1.5 hours)

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Curriculum Links

The New Zealand Curriculum Refresh (Te Tātaritanga Mātauranga 2023)

Learning Area: The Arts – Drama
Strands:

• Participating and Contributing
• Developing Ideas

Key Competencies:

• Participating and Contributing – cooperating, taking roles, respecting others
• Thinking – exploring ideas, creating meaning
• Relating to Others – empathy, cultural understanding, communication
• Using Language, Symbols and Texts – interpreting and creating meaning through movement and words

Achievement Objectives (Relevant for Drama & Cultural Learning):

• Years 1-3:
  • Participate in guided drama experiences using voice, body, and movement to express ideas and show understanding of stories and cultural traditions (NCEA & NZC Drama AO).
  • Explore drama through physical language to express feelings and meanings.
• Years 4-8:
  • Use movement, gesture, voice and facial expressions to create meaning in drama.
  • Demonstrate understanding of cultural contexts by integrating Māori movement actions into drama performances.

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School Values

• REACH: Respect, Expect, Achieve, Communicate, Hauora
• PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) – includes managing behaviour through engagement and clear expectations.

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WALT & Success Criteria

WALT (We Are Learning To):

• Understand the meaning and cultural significance of Māori movement in waiata and karakia.
• Experiment with creating movement reflecting natural and spiritual concepts.
• Collaborate to create drama actions that enhance storytelling.
• Perform waiata with appropriate movement and expression.

Success Criteria:

• I can describe key Māori movements and their meanings.
• I can show confidence using movement to express ideas.
• I can work cooperatively in groups to create actions.
• I can perform movements alongside waiata with understanding and respect.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details	Differentiation/Extensions
0-10 mins	Introduction with Slideshow	Present Māori: Movement and Meaning slideshow introducing waiata and karakia, showing key movements such as Wiri, Pūkana, Whetero, Waewae Takahia, Uhi Tai, Poi movements, and Arm Gestures. Use vivid images and brief explanations connected to tikanga concepts.	Younger students (Y1-3): Simplify language and focus on key movements only. Use clear visuals and repetition. Provide dyslexia-friendly handout with images and simple phrases. Advanced learners: Discuss the story symbolism behind movements and the role of Tane-rore (son of the sun).
10-20 mins	Brain Break: Movement Games	Play interactive games to build confidence and physical engagement: Whiu (Whizz, Boing, Bounce), Pepa Kutikuti Toka (Paper, Scissors, Rock), I Kī a Haimona (Simon Says) using Māori movement prompts (water, wind, volcano, snake, etc). If resources allow, introduce Mau Rākau (traditional weapon discipline).	For students with physical or behavioural needs: Use simple movement prompts and allow seated alternatives. Provide extra support with teacher aide. Extension: Encourage advanced learners to invent new abstract movement prompts inspired by nature.
20-35 mins	Exploring Waiata	Present and sing Hei Pikinga Pou Pou with translation of key verses. Discuss the meaning of the verses – connection to Taranaki, tikanga, and whānau. Watch a short supportive video clip of the actions (many students will recognise).	Y1-3: Focus on singing and miming simple actions. Use collective call-and-response reading of translated verses to support literacy. Y4-8: Analyze the verses’ cultural significance and debate why it’s important to maintain tikanga.
35-50 mins	Creating Movement for Waiata in English	Introduce the waiata "Battle of the Mountains" by Marcelle Messenger. Read the story for Y1-3, discuss the legend of Taranaki’s journey. Divide the class into small groups, each group assigned two verses to create movements for. Encourage mixing abstract (water, wind) and concrete (mountain, walking) ideas.	Y1-3: Use oral storytelling and movement mimicry. Teacher or aide supports group with ideas. Use visuals to represent ideas (mountain pictures, water). Y4-8: Apply knowledge of Māori movement symbolism to create meaningful choreography. Document ideas on mini whiteboards or paper.
50-70 mins	Group Performances	Groups perform their verses’ movements while classmates sing together. Use positive affirmation; emphasise respect, confidence, and teamwork.	Support learners: Encourage non-verbal participation by clapping or body percussion. Extensions: Advanced groups combine movements into short sequences or incorporate facial expressions (pūkana).
70-80 mins	Reflection and Cooldown	Discuss how movement helped express the story and emotions. Reflect on Māori cultural values shown through waiata movement (e.g., Respect for ancestors and land). End with a short karakia or whakataukī related to unity.	All: Use drawings or journaling for self-expression. Advanced: Students can formulate questions about Māori culture or movements for further inquiry.
80-90 mins	Wrap-up and Te Reo Māori Vocabulary Review	Recap key words and movements using flashcards or quiz format. Award “mana points” to reinforce achievements to align with PB4L. Provide take-home sheet with waiata actions and vocabulary in Dyslexia-friendly font.	Differentiated: Simplified vocab sets for younger or struggling learners. Extension: Encourage families to watch or sing waiata at home as homework.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Use multi-sensory approaches: visual (slideshow, videos), auditory (song, storytelling), kinaesthetic (movement games).
• Explicit scaffolding for vocabulary with picture clues to assist dyslexic students (large font, clear spacing).
• Aide support for students with physical or behavioural challenges encourages full participation.
• Small group work allows different roles: movers, singers, idea-generators – suits multiple learning styles.
• Simplify language and instructions for younger years; provide more cultural context and analysis for older students.
• Allow alternative methods of expression (e.g. clapping instead of stamping).

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Extension Activities

• Create a short class haka or poi dance based on learned movements.
• Write or illustrate an extended narrative inspired by Taranaki or waiata stories.
• Use digital media to record their performances and reflect on performance skills.
• Investigate other iwi-specific waiata or karakia and movements in follow-up lessons.

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Notes for Teachers

• Emphasise cultural safety and respect throughout, acknowledging local iwi connections if possible.
• Use humour and energetic tone as per your teaching style to maintain engagement.
• Manage behaviour by clear instructions, positive reinforcement (e.g. reward systems aligned with PB4L).
• Adapt time flexibly—drop translation or group work to fit a 45-minute format; add extended reflection for 1.5 hours.
• Encourage peer support within groups to reduce behaviour issues and cater to varied abilities.

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This lesson plan integrates New Zealand Curriculum Refresh principles by developing drama skills and cultural understanding simultaneously, promoting the students’ holistic learning and integration of te reo Māori and tikanga through engaging, active learning. It offers clear progression, success criteria, and flexible delivery modes to meet diverse learner needs while respecting local cultural heritage.

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If you need me to generate specific printable resources such as the dyslexia-friendly vocabulary handout or movement cards, just ask!