Oral Storytelling Techniques

Year 13 | Te Reo Māori | 60 minutes | Class of 25

---

Unit: Exploring Māori Stories

Lesson 6 of 18 Lesson Title: Oral Storytelling Techniques

---

Learning Objectives

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

1. Demonstrate oral storytelling techniques used in Māori culture including voice modulation, facial expression, body language, and use of traditional phrases.
2. Retain and perform a short traditional Māori story accurately using oral techniques that engage the audience.
3. Reflect on the effectiveness of storytelling performance through peer and self-assessment.

These objectives align with NCEA Level 3 Achievement Standard AS91271 (Speak to communicate ideas in te reo Māori) and the general communication competencies in the NCEA framework, emphasizing oral performance and presentation skills.

---

Success Criteria

Students will:

• Use appropriate intonation, tone, volume, and pace to bring the story to life.
• Incorporate gestures and facial expressions that enhance the storytelling experience.
• Retain important story details and deliver a well-structured oral performance confidently.
• Respond constructively to feedback with specific examples of what they did well and areas for improvement.
• Demonstrate respect for tikanga Māori storytelling traditions.

---

Materials and Resources

• Video examples of traditional Māori oral storytelling (selected from authentic sources).
• A story prompt sheet with key story elements and phrases (to support creativity and structure).
• Recording device or app for playback and reflection.
• Story maps graphic organiser to guide narrative structure for those needing scaffolds.

---

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description
0–10 mins	Introduction to Techniques & Viewing	Brief explanation of Māori oral storytelling techniques (voice, facial expression, gestures, use of waiata/karakia if relevant). Watch 2 video examples demonstrating these techniques. Highlight key features.
10–20 mins	Paired Practice: Story Retelling	Students pair up and are given the same short traditional story prompt. Each pupil takes turns practicing and retelling the story using oral storytelling techniques discussed. Teacher circulates providing feedback and encouragement.
20–35 mins	Storytelling Preparation	Students individually plan their version of the story using a story map and prompt sheet to organize key parts of the narrative and note where to emphasise with voice/body language. Differentiation: Additional prompts and structured templates are provided for students who find creativity building challenging.
35–50 mins	Oral Storytelling Presentation	Students take turns performing their story in front of their pairs or small groups. Encourage use of effective voice control, gestures and maintaining eye contact. Record presentations where possible. Advanced students challenge themselves by including idiomatic expressions and traditional kōrero Māori elements.
50–60 mins	Reflection and Peer Feedback	Students watch playback (or observe peers) and complete a self and peer assessment checklist focusing on the success criteria. Teacher and students discuss what techniques were most effective and how to improve further. Provide positive feedback emphasising cultural values and communication skills.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For students struggling with creativity:

• Provide a detailed story prompt sheet with key phrases and sequencing cues.

• Use story map graphic organisers as scaffolds to plan stories clearly.

• Allow collaborative planning between partners for support.

• For dyslexic learners:

• Provide the story prompts in dyslexia-friendly fonts and layouts.

• Use video and audio content instead of text to introduce stories.

• Encourage oral rehearsals rather than written scripts.

• Allow students to deliver stories with minimal written preparation if preferred.

• For advanced learners:

• Challenge to include Māori idioms, whakataukī, or traditional expressions with correct pronunciation.

• Encourage incorporation of traditional waiata or rhetorical devices such as repetition, metaphor.

• Invite them to lead a small workshop demonstrating advanced storytelling techniques to peers.

---

Assessment

• Formative assessment: Observation during paired practice, using a rubric for oral storytelling technique application and narrative clarity.
• Summative assessment: A recorded oral storytelling presentation assessed for content retention, cultural accuracy, use of Māori storytelling techniques, and communication impact — aligned with NCEA Level 3 speaking standards.
• Students will submit a self-assessment reflection aligned with the success criteria demonstrating metacognitive awareness of their skill development.

---

Alignment with NCEA and Curriculum Competencies

• Achievement Standard: AS91271 Speak to communicate ideas in te reo Māori, Level 3

• Curriculum Key Competencies:

• Using language, symbols, and texts — through oral storytelling and communication modalities.

• Managing self — through planning, practising, and performing confidently.

• Relating to others — through peer feedback, culturally appropriate storytelling, and audience awareness.

• Curriculum Values:

• Respect for tikanga Māori shown through embracing storytelling traditions.

• Innovation and creativity encouraged in personalising stories.

• Diversity honoured by differentiation and language support.

---

Final Notes

Encourage students to see oral storytelling as a living tradition that connects them to te ao Māori and enhances manaakitanga through sharing stories. Integrate this lesson with wider unit themes exploring whakapapa and Māori worldview to enrich cultural identity and communication skills.

---

If you would like, I can also prepare a detailed rubric for assessing the storytelling presentations, or suggestions for follow-up lessons in this unit.