Ngā Pākiki

Overview

This 30-minute lesson for preschool (years 0-2) students in New Zealand runs Lesson 6 of 7 in the unit "Te Reo Māori: Summer Discovery." The focus is on encouraging curiosity and oral language development through a nature-based scavenger hunt ("Ngā Pākiki" - Curious Explorers). Students will identify and discuss items found in nature using Māori vocabulary, linking to their prior learning and expanding their everyday vocabulary.

The lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum's Te Reo Māori learning area, supporting early childhood oral language development and cultural knowledge, while weaving in social competencies and positive learning dispositions.

Curriculum Links and Learning Outcomes

New Zealand Curriculum Framework:

Learning Area: Te Reo Māori / English Oral Language
Level: Early Childhood / Years 0-2 [Phase 1 in NZC literacy progression]
Key Competencies:
Manaakitanga: showing care and respect for others and the environment during the activity
Ngā Hononga: communication and participation in group discussions
Whanaungatanga: developing positive relationships through collaborative discovery

Curriculum Achievement Objectives:

Recognise and use familiar and new Māori vocabulary in context (oral language development)
Describe objects and events using simple words and phrases (English and Te Reo Māori)
Show curiosity about the environment through exploration and questioning (Nature-based context)
Demonstrate confidence to ask and answer questions during shared activities

Supports Te Mātaiaho English Curriculum (Years 0-2):

Development of oral language with increased descriptive and relational vocabulary
Use of precise nouns and verbs like ngā ingoa (nouns) and ngā tūmahi (verbs) related to natural objects and actions
Encourages narrative skills through describing what is found and experienced

Supports Te Mātaiaho Maths Phase 1:

Using sorting and classifying in real-world contexts (nature items)
Following simple instructions and participating in group tasks

Learning Objectives

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

Identify and name at least five natural items in Māori vocabulary (e.g., rākau, rau, kōwhai, manu, puna) during the scavenger hunt.
Use simple sentences or phrases to describe items they find (e.g., "He rākau nui tēnei." "Tēnei he manu iti.").
Participate cooperatively in a group activity, showing curiosity and respect for the environment.
Ask and respond to simple questions about the items found ("He aha tēnei?" "He kōwhai tēnei.").

Resources Needed

Scavenger hunt checklist with pictures and Māori words for common natural items (laminated cards for each child or pair)
Small bags or baskets for collecting natural items (if allowed) or a notebook for drawing/placing items found
Visual vocabulary posters of the nature words in Māori (could include pictures and words displayed in the classroom)
Whare kōrero (circle time rug or mat) for introductions and reflections
Camera or tablet (optional) for photographing items to discuss back in class
Comfortable outdoor space close to the classroom (garden, school grounds, park) with variety of natural elements

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 mins	Introduction & Karakia	- Gather children on the mat. Begin with a simple karakia to set the tone for respectful exploration.

Review previous vocabulary learned in the unit, using flashcards or pictures.
Explain the scavenger hunt activity: “Ngā Pākiki ka haere ki te rapu mea i te taiao.”
Introduce the checklist and demonstrate how to use it. | | 5-20 mins | Scavenger Hunt Exploration | - Students explore designated outdoor area in pairs or small groups with teacher/assistant support.
Encourage use of Māori words to identify and describe items found. Prompt with questions: “He aha tēnei?” “Kei hea te ____?”
Teacher observes and supports language use, notes students’ curiosity and engagement.
Capture photos or notes of items for later discussion.
Safety and environmental care emphasized throughout (“Kia āta tiaki i ngā mea o te taiao.”) | | 20-28 mins | Whare Kōrero (Sharing Circle) | - Back in the classroom or under shade, gather together to share findings.
Students describe one or two items they discovered, using Māori phrases or simple English sentences.
Teacher encourages use of language structures and connects to cultural stories or meanings if time.
Highlight curiosity and encourage questions between peers. | | 28-30 mins | Reflection & Closure | - Reflect using simple questions: “He aha tō tino pai i tēnei rā?” “He aha ngā kupu hou i ako ai?”
Summarise the lesson’s purpose and outcomes.
Close with a waiata or karakia to end the session positively. |

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Oral Language Modelling: Teacher models pronunciation, repetition, and use of new and known vocabulary through interactive questioning.
Active Learning: Hands-on exploration encourages sensory and physical engagement, suited to young learners.
Scaffolding: Support language with visual aids, gestures, and sentence stems (e.g., “He ___ tēnei.”).
Social Learning: Pair and group work fosters cooperation, turn-taking, and communication skills.
Cultural Responsiveness: Incorporate Māori tikanga in respect for nature and language use, building identity/relevance.

Assessment

Formative Observations: Teacher notes participation, correct use of key vocabulary, and willingness to ask/answer questions during the hunt and sharing circle.
Anecdotal Record: Document examples of student language use (oral phrases, new words) and curiosity to inform next lessons.
Self and Peer Reflection: Prompt students to express feelings about the activity and items found in simple terms during reflection.

Assessment directly supports ongoing language competency and confidence in using te reo Māori in authentic contexts, consistent with NZ Curriculum goals for young learners.

Extension Ideas

Create a classroom nature display of the items found with bilingual labels.
Write or draw a simple book recounting the scavenger hunt, using newly learned vocabulary.
Connect with local iwi or whānau to share stories about the natural items discovered.

This lesson plan actively engages tamariki in oral language use within a meaningful, nature-based context, nurturing the key competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum and language acquisition in te reo Māori, aligned to their developmental stage and interests. It balances explicit language teaching and rich experiential learning, enabling young learners to be curious explorers and confident communicators.

If you want, I can also generate vocabulary lists or detailed prompts in Māori for the teacher's use!

Teaching Instructions