Overview

This two-day sequence of lessons is designed for Year 2 students in New Zealand, focusing on ordering numbers to 20 in reo Māori, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Mathematics and Statistics (Phase 1). The lessons incorporate culturally responsive teaching through integration of te reo Māori number language, reinforcing early number concepts and developing mathematical language and reasoning.

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Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Mathematics and Statistics
Strand: Number knowledge and strategies, Communication in mathematics
Phase: 1 (Years 0–3, specifically Year 2)
Achievement Objective:

• Count forwards or backwards from any whole number between 1 and 20 (including in reo Māori).
• Compare and order whole numbers up to at least 20.
• Use multiple representations including number lines and physical objects to support understanding.
• Use correct mathematical and te reo Māori vocabulary to explain reasoning (e.g., "tau", "iti", "nui", "tuatahi", "tua rua" for ordinal numbers).
• Develop number patterns and generalise using ordinal position (e.g., first, second, third / tuatahi, tua rua, tua toru)【6:Te Mataiaho Maths 0-8 (2).pdf】【10:NZC Maths Phase 1.pdf】.

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Competencies Developed

• Using language, symbols, and texts: Expressing mathematical thinking using reo Māori numbers and English.
• Thinking: Recognising patterns and relationships in number order.
• Relating to others: Participating in group activities to develop communication skills.
• Managing self: Following instructions, problem-solving, and focusing on tasks【11:NZ-math-2025-curriculum-draft.pdf】.

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Resources Needed

• Number cards 1–20 with Māori numerals and English (e.g. 1 - tahi, 2 - rua)
• Large number line on the floor or wall (1 to 20) marked bilingually
• Counters or small objects for counting
• Audio recordings of number chants in reo Māori (optional)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Student maths books or sheets for ordering activities
• Digital device for showing number songs or chants (if available)

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Lesson 1: Introduction to Ordering Numbers 1-20 in Reo Māori

Duration: 40 minutes
Class Size: 20

Learning Objectives

• Count forwards and backwards from any number between 1 and 20 in reo Māori.
• Recognise and order numbers from 1 to 20, both visually and orally.
• Use ordinal position vocabulary in reo Māori (tuatahi, tua rua, tua toru).

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details & Teaching Notes
5 min	Getting Started - Warm-Up Counting Chant	Begin with a whole class chant of numbers 1 to 20 in reo Māori using a lively audio or teacher-led chant. Emphasise pronunciation and encourage students to join in. Use gestures to count up and down.
5 min	Number Card Sort	Distribute number cards randomly; in pairs, students put cards in order 1 to 20. Encourage use of Māori number names. Circulate and prompt students to use ordinal words (e.g., "Ko tēnei te tuatahi" for "This is the first").
10 min	Number Line Walk	Use a large floor or wall number line (1–20) with Māori numerals. Students stand on numbers in order, count forwards and backwards in Māori. Invite students to say ordinal position names for their position (e.g., "Kei te tū au i te tuatoru" - I am standing at third). Embed kinaesthetic learning.
10 min	Ordering Activity - Group Ordering Game	In groups of 4, give mixed number cards to order on desk or floor. Challenge groups to order numbers as quickly and correctly as possible, saying each number in reo Māori aloud. Teachers prompt and correct language and recognition as needed.
5 min	Reflection and Sharing	Gather class to share experiences. Ask: "Which number was the smallest/largest?", "Who can say the ordinal position for a number on the line?" Summarise key mathematical language in both te reo Māori and English.
5 min	Plenary - Number Song or Story	End with a song or story that repeats numbers in Māori to reinforce learning, e.g., "Huarere Number Song" or a simple story involving ordering numbers.

Assessment

• Observe students’ ability to sequence numbers orally and physically.
• Note use of mathematical language (ordinal terms, counting) in Māori and English during activities.
• Check correct order during group games.

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Lesson 2: Consolidating Ordering & Ordinal Numbers (1-20) in Reo Māori

Duration: 40 minutes
Class Size: 20

Learning Objectives

• Use ordinal numbers confidently in reo Māori to describe positions.
• Order and compare numbers from 1 to 20 using different representations.
• Apply knowledge of number order in problem-solving or real-life contexts (e.g., lining up, sequencing events).

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details & Teaching Notes
5 min	Recap & Warm-Up	Quick choral count forwards and backwards in Māori, reinforcing pronunciation and rhythm. Review ordinal words from previous lesson.
10 min	Interactive Number Line Challenge	Arrange selected students on the number line; ask questions like: "Who is in the tua rima (fifth) position?" or "Stand between tua waru (eighth) and tua tekau (tenth)." Use positional language and prompt students to explain their choices.
10 min	Hands-On Ordering Task	Provide students with worksheets showing scrambled labeled pictures/objects numbered 1 to 20 with Māori words. Ask students to cut and paste or draw lines to reorder correctly. Include prompts to write or say the Māori ordinal numbers.
5 min	Story Sequence Game	Read a short story involving a simple sequence (e.g., a day at school with 5 events). Students order picture cards numbered 1–5 with Māori labels. Discuss order using ordinal terms in Māori and English.
7 min	Partner Quiz & Explain	In pairs, students quiz each other on ordinal positions ("What number comes before rua tekau (20)? What is the tua muri (last)?") and explain reasoning aloud using Māori. Teachers scaffold vocabulary and reasoning.
3 min	Reflection and Next Steps	Conclude by reviewing key learning and language, encouraging students to use Māori numbers and ordinal words in daily routines. Preview next lessons where they will further explore number patterns and operations.

Assessment

• Observe students’ use of ordinal terms in context and ability to order numbers correctly.
• Collect and check worksheets for ordering accuracy and correct use of Māori labels.
• Listen for clear explanations during partner quiz activity.

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Teaching Tips for Success

• Use multiple modalities: oral, visual, kinaesthetic, and digital (songs/videos) to engage all learners.
• Integrate Māori language naturally, supporting heritage language learners and building bicultural competence.
• Reinforce number patterns by encouraging students to notice what number comes before/after or between others.
• Use positive feedback and scaffold language for learners who need extra support.
• Link activities clearly to real-life contexts familiar to children, such as lining up or daily routines.

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This plan is designed to inspire teachers to creatively and confidently integrate mathematical concepts and te reo Māori, fostering a culturally rich, engaging, and effective learning environment aligned with the latest national curriculum emphasis on communication, language, and understanding number structure in early years【6:Te Mataiaho Maths 0-8 (2).pdf】【11:NZ-math-2025-curriculum-draft.pdf】.