Moving with Te Reo

Curriculum Area

Te Whāriki: New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum

• Strand: Exploration – Mana Aotūroa
• Goal: Children experience an environment where they gain confidence in and control of their bodies.
• Learning Outcome: Developing physical skills and confidence while using te reo Māori to follow movement instructions.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:
✅ Be able to confidently hop, skip, and jump using correct body movements.
✅ Understand and respond to basic te reo Māori movement instructions.
✅ Develop a sense of spatial awareness and direction in physical play.
✅ Gain confidence in listening and taking turns in physical activities.

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Lesson Structure (45 Minutes)

1. Whakatau – Welcome & Warm-Up (10 mins)

🌱 Activity: “Ngā Kararehe Hoppity-Walk” (The Animal Hop and Walk)

1. Karakia – Begin with a short, simple karakia (prayer) to centre the tamariki.
2. Whakapā mai – Sit in a circle and encourage each child to say their name with a friendly wave.
3. Whakaheke – Warm-up movements:
   • Kanikani pīrori (Roll your arms)
   • Kanikani taringa (Wiggle your ears – fun imaginary movement!)
   • Ngā Kararehe Hoppity-Walk! Teacher calls out an animal, and children move like that animal while repeating the te reo Māori words:
     • Pekepeke pēpeke! (Jump like a frog!)
     • Hīkoi hāmama! (Big stomping steps like an elephant!)
     • Rere rere! (Fly like a bird!)
     • Kauwhautia! (Roar like a lion!)

🤩 Why? Engaging way to warm up, build confidence in moving their bodies, and associate fun movements with te reo Māori words!

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2. Arotahi – Main Activities (25 mins)

Activity 1: “Pekepeke Te Ara” (Jumping the Path) – 10 mins

🟢 Set-up: Lay out a course using coloured spots, hula hoops, or chalk markings. Each child follows the path using movements prompted in te reo Māori.

🔹 Teacher calls out:

• “Pekepeke!” (Jump!) – Students jump from spot to spot.
• “Takahi whakamua!” (Step forward!) – Taking big stepping movements.
• “Takahi whakamuri!” (Step backwards!) – Carefully stepping back.
• “Pekepeke rua!” (Two jumps!) – They must hop twice before moving.

⭐ Skills Developed: Coordination, listening skills, jumping technique, and language comprehension.

Activity 2: “Ko Wai Kei Mua?” (Who’s in Front?) – 10 mins

🏃 Set-up: Tamariki stand in a line. They take turns being the “leader” and guiding the group around the space with different movements. The teacher calls out a leader’s name and a movement.

🔸 Example instructions:

• “(Name), arā whakamua, pekepeke!” (Move forward, jump!)
• “Hīkoi i te taha matau!” (Walk to the right!)
• “Huri whakamuri!” (Turn backwards!)

🎉 Why? Encourages movement leadership, following instructions in te reo Māori, and spatial awareness in a fun way!

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3. Whakamutunga – Cool Down & Reflection (10 mins)

🤲 Mahi Whakamutunga – Copy Me!

• Everyone sits in a circle.
• The teacher demonstrates slow, calming movements while saying associated Māori words:
  • “Whakatōngia ngā ringaringa” (Stretch your hands).
  • “Takoto ki raro” (Lie down gently).
  • “Hā ki roto, hā ki waho” (Breathe in, breathe out).

💬 Reflection: Ask the tamariki:
🌟 “He aha te mea pai rawa atu i tēnei rā?” (What was your favourite part today?)
🌟 “Mā wai koe e āwhina ā muri ake?” (Who can you help next time?)

🌿 Closing Karakia: A simple closing karakia to conclude the session on a calm note.

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Teaching Notes & Adaptations

🎯 Differentiation:

• For children who may need extra support, use visual cues and hand-holding.
• For confident movers, allow them to be the leader more often.

💡 Extending Learning:
📌 Encourage parents to use “pekepeke” (jump) and other phrases at home during playtime.
📌 Introduce a Māori waiata (song) that includes movement words to reinforce learning.

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Assessment & Reflection

✅ Observe children’s ability to follow te reo Māori instructions.
✅ Check for confidence and participation in movement activities.
✅ Provide positive reinforcement for all attempts, using phrases like “Ka rawe!” (Awesome!)

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🌿 Ka pai tō mahi, Tāhōu Tamariki! 🌿

📍 Created for New Zealand ECE settings with a focus on Māori language and movement development.
👣 Designed to be engaging, FUN, and supportive of sensory-motor skills for preschool-age learners.