Music and Narrative

Overview

In this 60-minute session (lesson 15 of 18) for Year 13 Students, the focus is on exploring the role of music in Māori storytelling. This lesson is situated in the "Exploring Māori Stories Unit Plan" and aligns closely with NCEA Level 3 Te Reo Māori curriculum objectives. Students will analyse how waiata (songs) contribute to Māori narratives, deepen understanding of cultural storytelling practices, and reflect on music’s narrative power through multiple engaging activities.

Curriculum Links

• NCEA Level 3 Achievement Standard:
• AS91480: Analyse the use of oral language features in Te Reo Māori texts.
• AS91481: Respond critically to an oral text in Te Reo Māori.
• Key Competencies:
• Thinking (analysing and critiquing narrative devices)
• Using language, symbols, and texts (interpreting waiata lyrics and performance elements)
• Managing self (reflection and essay-writing)
• NCEA Level 3 Learning Objectives:
• Analyse the roles songs play in traditional and contemporary Māori narratives.
• Critically examine the presentation and cultural significance of waiata as storytelling tools.
• Communicate insights reflecting understanding of narrative and music interconnections.

Learning Objectives

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

• Identify and discuss the narrative function of music in Māori storytelling.
• Analyse lyrics and music to uncover thematic and cultural messages.
• Reflect critically on the emotional and cultural power of music in storytelling.
• Write a reflective essay articulating their understanding of music’s role within Māori narratives.

Success Criteria

Students will demonstrate success by:

• Contributing thoughtful ideas during the listening and discussion sessions.
• Showing understanding of waiata meaning and cultural context through analysis.
• Writing a reflective essay with clear structure, appropriate language use, and personal insight.
• Using Māori cultural vocabulary and concepts to explain music’s storytelling role.

Resources

• Selected Māori songs with accompanying lyrics and summaries (provided in bilingual format).
• Audio equipment for listening sessions.
• Karaoke setup with lyric display for student participation.
• Writing materials or devices for essay drafting.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Success Criteria	Differentiation/Support
0-10 min	Introduction: The Role of Music in Māori Storytelling	Teacher-led discussion introducing waiata as storytelling devices. Explain how songs convey history, emotions, and values. Outline lesson goals and success criteria.	Students actively listen and ask questions to clarify understanding of music’s narrative role in Māori culture.	Use visual story maps and song summaries to support comprehension. Provide written key vocabulary lists. Use simple language explanations.
10-25 min	Listening Session and Analysis	Play 2-3 selected Māori songs. Students follow lyric sheets with summaries explaining story context, themes, and cultural significance. Pause to discuss key narrative elements and emotions expressed.	Students engage in guided analysis, identifying story elements in song lyrics and mood conveyed by music.	Offer dyslexia-friendly lyric sheets (clear font, spacing, colour highlighting). Pair stronger and emerging readers for peer support. Use graphic organisers to map story elements.
25-40 min	Karaoke and Group Reflection	Students volunteer to sing or chant a selected waiata. After each, class reflects on how the music enhanced the storytelling experience. Teacher facilitates discussion drawing out key insights on tone, rhythm, and meaning.	Students participate confidently or respectfully listen. They contribute thoughtful observations linking music and narrative.	For shy or reluctant singers, alternative roles such as lyric reader or summariser. For advanced students, invite comparison between traditional and contemporary versions.
40-55 min	Reflective Essay Planning and Writing	Students plan and begin writing a reflective essay on "The Role of Music in Māori Storytelling." Provide writing frames and checklist aligned with NCEA standards to scaffold essay structure and use of relevant examples.	Students begin essay drafts demonstrating comprehension of musical storytelling and express personal learning reflections.	Writing scaffold and sentence starters for those needing support. Extension prompts for deeper analysis for advanced learners, e.g., incorporating cultural perspectives or critique.
55-60 min	Wrap-up and Homework	Recap key ideas. Explain essay to be completed for homework if not finished. Encourage students to listen to more Māori songs and reflect on narrative elements independently.	Students articulate next steps clearly.	Remind students about availability of peer or teacher support for essay completion.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide bilingual song summaries to support understanding for all language levels.
• Use dyslexia-friendly resources and text formatting.
• Incorporate peer support through paired and group activities.
• Allow multiple modes of participation (singing, reading, discussing).
• Offer extension tasks for students who finish early or want deeper engagement, such as researching the background of a waiata or creating their own song-based narrative.

Assessment

• Formative through oral discussion and analysis participation.
• Summative through the reflective essay assessed against NCEA Level 3 criteria:
• Clear purpose and structure reflecting lesson learning objectives.
• Evidence of critical thinking and cultural understanding.
• Use of te reo Māori cultural vocabulary and narrative concepts.

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Teacher Notes

• This lesson promotes whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building) through shared musical experience.
• Ensure sensitive handling of cultural meanings and allow students to express personal connections.
• Use modeling and scaffolding to support students' oral and written language proficiency.
• Encourage students to respect diverse viewpoints on music’s impact and storytelling traditions in Māori culture.

This lesson aims to deepen student’s appreciation of waiata as more than music — as living vessels of Māori history, identity, and storytelling power in line with NCEA Level 3 achievement expectations and holistic cultural learning principles in the New Zealand curriculum.