Pasifika Dance Journeys

Overview

This 5-lesson unit is designed for Year 9 and 10 Humanities students in New Zealand, focusing on Pasifika dances. Students will engage with reading, speaking, listening, and writing activities to explore Pasifika cultural expression through dance. The unit aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, integrating key competencies, values, and learning areas, with an emphasis on developing understanding, communication, and critical thinking skills.

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Lesson 1: Introduction to Pasifika Dances

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand the significance of Pasifika dances in New Zealand’s cultural landscape and identify different Pasifika dance styles.

Success Criteria

• Can name at least three Pasifika dance forms.
• Explain why dance is important in Pasifika cultures.
• Participate in class discussion about cultural identity through dance.

Learning Objectives

• Link to the NZ Curriculum Level 5 Humanities: Understand how cultural groups contribute to New Zealand’s identity and society.
• Develop oral communication skills (speaking and listening).
• Develop critical thinking about cultural representation.

Activities

1. Reading: Dyslexia-friendly short texts describing various Pasifika dances (Siva, Fātele, Ura, Haka, etc.) with images and keywords highlighted.
2. Listening: Watch a short video clip showing performances of different Pasifika dances.
3. Speaking/Discussion: Whole class discussion on what the dances tell us about Pasifika identity and values.
4. Writing: Students write a paragraph summarising one Pasifika dance and why it is important.

Differentiation

• Provide word banks and sentence starters for writing task.
• Use visual aids and videos for students with diverse learning needs.
• Peer support during discussion and writing.

Extension

• Research a particular Pasifika dance and prepare a brief oral presentation.

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Lesson 2: Exploring Dance Movements and Meanings

WALT

Identify and describe key movements and their meanings in selected Pasifika dances.

Success Criteria

• Describe three dance movements and their cultural meanings.
• Use appropriate vocabulary related to dance and culture.
• Communicate ideas clearly in writing and speech.

Learning Objectives

• Develop vocabulary specific to Pasifika dance and culture.
• Engage with textual and oral information critically.
• Understand symbolism in cultural practices.

Activities

1. Reading: Dyslexia-friendly fact sheets describing movements and their symbolic meanings.
2. Listening & Speaking: Teacher-led explanation with video demonstrations; students practise describing movements in pairs.
3. Writing: Short descriptive paragraphs on dance movements and meanings.
4. Group Sharing: Each pair shares their descriptions with the class.

Differentiation

• Provide sentence frames for describing movements.
• Extra visual supports for ELL and learning differences.

Extension

• Create a glossary of Pasifika dance vocabulary with definitions and pictures.

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Lesson 3: Storytelling and Pasifika Dance

WALT

Analyse how Pasifika dances tell stories and express cultural heritage.

Success Criteria

• Understand the narrative role of Pasifika dance.
• Identify a story told through a specific Pasifika dance.
• Express ideas clearly in spoken and written form.

Learning Objectives

• Link dance to oral storytelling traditions.
• Develop comprehension of narrative structures within cultural context.
• Improve analytical and interpretative skills.

Activities

1. Reading: Dyslexia-friendly stories or legends related to a Pasifika dance.
2. Listening: Audio recordings of Pasifika storytelling.
3. Speaking: Small group discussion on stories’ themes and cultural significance.
4. Writing: Students compose a short written reflection on a Pasifika dance story.

Differentiation

• Use graphic organisers for story structure.
• Provide summaries for complex texts.

Extension

• Research and share an original Pasifika legend connected to dance.

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Lesson 4: Creating and Performing Pasifika Dance

WALT

Apply knowledge of Pasifika dance movements and storytelling to create and perform a short dance sequence.

Success Criteria

• Collaborate to create a meaningful dance sequence.
• Include movements that reflect cultural meanings and stories.
• Perform clearly with confidence.

Learning Objectives

• Develop creativity and teamwork skills.
• Reinforce understanding of cultural symbolism through performance.
• Build confidence in expressive communication.

Activities

1. Group Work: Plan and choreograph a short Pasifika dance with teacher guidance.
2. Rehearsal: Practice movements and sequences.
3. Reflection: Write or discuss how their dance tells a story or represents culture.
4. Performance: Present dance to the class.

Differentiation

• Roles in the group adapted to strengths (choreographer, performer, writer).
• Allow varied expression (spoken word, movement, song).

Extension

• Film the performance and create a short documentary or digital story about their work.

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Lesson 5: Reflecting on Pasifika Dance and Identity

WALT

Reflect on how Pasifika dances contribute to personal and community identity in New Zealand.

Success Criteria

• Express clear personal reflections on the importance of dance.
• Connect learning to broader NZ cultural context.
• Confidently share reflections orally and in writing.

Learning Objectives

• Develop metacognitive and evaluative skills.
• Understand the role of culture in identity formation.
• Practice formal and informal communication.

Activities

1. Reading & Listening: Excerpts from Pasifika voices on dance and identity (dyslexia-friendly).
2. Writing: Personal reflection essay or journal entry.
3. Speaking: Small group sharing of reflections and discussions on cultural diversity.

Differentiation

• Sentence starters and reflection prompts provided.
• Oral reflection option if writing is challenging.

Extension

• Create a multi-modal presentation (art, digital, spoken word) about Pasifika identity and dance.

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Curriculum Alignment Summary

• NZ Curriculum Levels: Level 5 - Humanities (Social Sciences)
• Key Competencies:
  • Participating and Contributing – collaboration in group dance and discussions.
  • Thinking – analysing dances and stories.
  • Using Language, Symbols and Texts – reading, writing, and discussing cultural content.
• Values:
  • Manaakitanga (Respect), Kotahitanga (Unity), Whanaungatanga (Relationships) reflected in group work and cultural understanding.

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Additional Notes

• Dyslexia-friendly Resources: Use clear fonts (e.g., Comic Sans or Arial), short paragraphs, bullet points, key vocabulary highlighted, and audio versions where appropriate.
• Differentiation: Mixed ability grouping, visual and oral scaffolds, alternative response modes (oral, written, artistic).
• Assessment: Formative assessment through participation, written reflections, and oral presentations aligned with NZC achievement standards for Level 5 Social Sciences skills in communication and critical thinking.

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This plan aims not just to teach about Pasifika dance but to immerse students in meaningful inquiry linking culture, identity, and communication. It fosters respect and understanding while developing academic skills in indigenous and Pacific contexts, perfectly resonating with New Zealand's unique cultural landscape.