Ngā Mihi, Ngā Hoa

Overview

In this 40-minute Te reo Māori lesson, Year 2 tamariki who are new to te reo Māori learn and practise simple greetings through listening, repetition and a short mihi role-play. The lesson builds confidence by using picture prompts, partner rotations and a final greeting circle with waiata.

Learning intentions

• WALT listen for and understand simple classroom and greeting language.
• WALT imitate the pronunciation, intonation, stress and rhythm of key phrases.
• WALT use greetings respectfully with different classmates.
• WALT respond to a simple question about how we are feeling.

Success criteria

• I can say “Kia ora” and “Tēnā koe” clearly.
• I can ask “Kei te pēhea koe?”
• I can answer “Kei te pai.”
• I can listen, take turns and greet my classmates respectfully.

Curriculum links

• Te Mātaiaho Te Reo Māori — During Novice 1: recognising and understanding simple classroom language.
• Te Mātaiaho Te Reo Māori — During Novice 1: imitating the pronunciation, intonation, stress and rhythm of Māori words, phrases and sentences.
• Te Reo Māori introduction: building a strong connection between te reo Māori and the cultural values carried within the language.
• The lesson supports manaakitanga, respectful relationships and confident participation in a group.

Lesson structure (40 minutes)

1. 0–5 min · Welcome and listening hook. Teacher welcomes the group with “Kia ora, tamariki” and displays the welcome and listening slides, using friendly facial expressions and gestures; teacher asks, “What might these words mean?” Students listen, notice the gestures and offer ideas in English or te reo Māori without pressure to speak yet.

2. 5–12 min · Teach the phrases. Teacher introduces one phrase at a time with a picture prompt on the greeting phrase slides: “Kia ora” (hello), “Tēnā koe” (hello to one person), “Kei te pēhea koe?” (How are you?) and “Kei te pai” (I am good). Teacher models slowly, naturally and then at conversational pace, drawing attention to the macrons and rhythm. Students echo each phrase, first as a whole group, then with actions and quiet voices, normal voices and confident voices.

3. 12–17 min · Listen and match. Teacher says one phrase and points to or reveals its matching picture on the listen-and-match slides. Include a short pause after each model and praise careful listening rather than speed. Students show which picture matches by pointing, holding up fingers or moving to the relevant part of the room, then repeat the phrase together.

4. 17–22 min · Model the mihi role-play. Teacher and one student model the exchange using the visual dialogue on the role-play model slide: A: “Kia ora.” B: “Tēnā koe.” A: “Kei te pēhea koe?” B: “Kei te pai.” A: “Ka pai!” Teacher explicitly models eye contact, a warm voice, turn-taking and how to use a person’s name if appropriate. Students practise the exchange with a partner, using the visual instruction step cards to support the sequence.

5. 22–31 min · Partner rotations. Teacher pairs the five students and explains the rotation using the partner rotation slides. One student greets, the other responds, then they swap roles. After about two minutes, teacher changes partners so each child greets several classmates; with five students, one child may join the teacher or form a group of three. Students use the picture prompts and repeat the mihi role-play with different partners. Teacher circulates, modelling pronunciation gently and celebrating willing participation.

6. 31–36 min · Record and revisit. Teacher distributes the greeting picture-and-phrase worksheet and rereads the instructions on the worksheet instruction slide. Students draw lines to match each greeting phrase to a simple picture, trace or copy one chosen phrase, and draw a picture of two people greeting. Students may say their chosen phrase quietly to the teacher or a partner while working.

7. 36–40 min · Greeting circle and waiata. Teacher gathers the class in a circle, revisits the success criteria on the class circle and waiata slide and leads a final greeting around the circle. Each child says “Kia ora” or “Tēnā koe” to the person beside them; the group responds “Kei te pai” when invited. Finish with a familiar greeting waiata, modelling the words and actions so children can join by listening and copying.

Resources

• the complete greeting lesson slide deck
• the greeting picture-and-phrase worksheet
• the visual instruction step cards
• Picture prompt cards showing greeting phrases and friendly facial expressions
• Whiteboard and pens
• Space for a circle and partner movement
• Optional audio or teacher voice for the waiata

Assessment

• During modelling and repetition, listen for accurate vowel sounds, macron length, rhythm and willingness to imitate.
• During partner rotations, use a simple class list to note whether each child can greet, ask “Kei te pēhea koe?” and respond “Kei te pai.”
• At the end, check each child’s worksheet and listen for one individual phrase during the greeting circle or waiata.

Differentiation

• Support beginners with gestures, picture prompts, choral repetition, slow teacher modelling and the visual instruction cards. Accept pointing, joining in with one word or responding through an action before expecting a full phrase.
• Pair children thoughtfully and rotate roles so every child experiences speaking and listening. The teacher can join the group of three and provide a calm, repeatable model.
• For children who are ready, invite them to add “Ka pai!” or a classmate’s name, while keeping the core exchange achievable for everyone.
• Provide a quiet rehearsal space, avoid requiring eye contact, and allow children to participate through listening, signing, pointing or speaking as their confidence develops. Affirm correct attempts and recast pronunciation naturally.