Patere Experience

Overview

This detailed 60-minute teaching session is designed for Year 13 adult learners in a mental health and disability organisation, focused on Patere—a traditional Māori form of chanting. The lesson aligns closely with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, reflecting tikanga and ensuring cultural respect while employing dyslexia-friendly, simple, and practical delivery for learners with diverse languages and abilities.

Learning Context

Class size: 10 students
Duration: 60 minutes
Learner profile: Adults with varied nationalities, limited language comprehension, differing abilities, and mental health conditions
Subject area: Te Reo Māori Oral Language and Cultural Practice (Patere)
Curriculum alignment: Grounded in Te Marautanga o Aotearoa principles, competencies, and learning strands (particularly "Whakamāramatanga o Ngā Reo me Ngā Tikanga" - Understanding language and customs).

Aims

To engage learners in understanding the cultural significance of Patere.
To develop basic oral competence in practising Patere together.
To encourage a sense of belonging and confidence within a Māori cultural context.
To apply culturally respectful tikanga and protocols in learning and participating.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

We Are Learning To:

Understand what Patere is and its role in Māori culture and language.
Follow simple Patere chanting patterns and respond as a group.
Show respect for Māori customs through correct posture, waiata protocol, and appropriate interaction.
Appreciate cultural diversity within the classroom when engaging in oral tradition.

Success Criteria

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

Explain what Patere is in simple terms.
Participate in a short Patere chant.
Demonstrate respectful tikanga behaviours during the activity.
Share one way Patere helps with wellbeing or connection.

Curriculum References

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa - Languages, Level 5 (Year 13)
- Whakamāramatanga o ngā Kōrero ā Waha — Understanding and using oral language in cultural contexts.
- Ngā Tikanga ā-Iwi — Applying tikanga and respecting Māori cultural knowledge.
- Key Competencies: Managing self, Relating to others, Participating and contributing.

Resources Needed

Printed large-font, dyslexia-friendly handout with Patere chants (simple words, spaced letters).
Audio recording of a Patere chant (slow clear pronunciation).
Visual charts with cue cards of Patere patterns.
Space for group sitting or standing in a circle.
Optional: props like poi or small percussion for engagement.

Detailed Lesson Plan

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation/Support	Notes for Teachers
0-5 min	Introduction & Whakawhanaungatanga	Greet students with a mihi/salutation. Briefly explain today’s focus on Patere and its importance for connecting language and wellbeing.	Use visual aids, speak slowly, check understanding by simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down.	Use gestures and visual cues to support understanding. Encourage students to introduce themselves simply if able.
5-10 min	Context & Explanation of Patere	Show a simple slide/handout about Patere: a rhythmic chant combining words, rhythm, and action used traditionally to communicate and unite. Explain cultural respect and tikanga (e.g., listening quietly, following the leader).	Repeat key words and provide translations. Use pictures to reinforce. Clarify any Māori words carefully.	Use simple language, short sentences, and repeats. Monitor for comprehension.
10-20 min	Listening & Repetition Practice	Play short Patere chant audio. Model the chant with body movements. Break down the chant into small sections. Invite learners to repeat in call-and-response form.	Pair stronger speakers with learners needing support. Use visual cards for prompts. Allow hand-clapping or tapping rhythms for those struggling with vocalising.	Encourage positive feedback and praise attempts. Demonstrate correct posture and face direction to show respect.
20-35 min	Group Chanting Activity	Together, chant the full Patere with leader prompting. Include simple actions (e.g., clapping, foot stomping) to build rhythm.	Offer optional roles: chanting, actions, or listening. Provide extra repetition for those needing more time.	Reinforce tikanga: encouraging everyone to participate, be patient, remain respectful.
35-45 min	Discussion & Reflection	In a group circle, discuss how chanting made them feel, the importance of Patere in bringing people together, and its connection to wellbeing. Use simple questions.	Use sentence starters on cards (e.g., "I felt...", "I liked..."). Allow silent contribution via drawing or pointing for non-verbal.	Validate all responses. Use supportive language and gentle prompts.
45-55 min	Extension Activities	For advanced learners: encourage creating their own short chant using simple words. For others, repeat favourite chants or teach some vocabulary from the Patere.	Provide writing/drawing templates for creative learners. Use kinaesthetic methods for others (e.g., movements).	Scaffold language carefully, encourage peer collaboration.
55-60 min	Closing & Tikanga Respect	Waiata a simple Māori closing song or karakia. Recap success criteria, praise participation.	Provide visual checklist of success criteria. Use positive reinforcement.	Reinforce tikanga of closing respecting shared space and learning. Confirm next session’s plan to build anticipation.

Facilitation Preparation

Know and practise the Patere chant yourself beforehand.
Prepare audio and visual aids in advance.
Arrange seating to support group interaction.
Have a list of simple Māori and English words to reinforce the meaning.
Prepare sentence starters and non-verbal response options.
Create a calm, encouraging environment sensitive to mental health needs.
Carry out a brief check-in with students needing specific support.

Discussion Prompts

What do you notice about the sounds and rhythms in Patere?
How does it make you feel to chant with others?
Why do you think Patere was important in Māori culture?
How can we use Patere or similar activities to feel connected today?

Watch For (Teacher Cues)

Signs of confusion or overwhelm - pause and check in.
Engagement levels - offer encouragement and allow choice of participation level.
Respectful behaviours during chanting - correct gently if needed.
Interest in creating own chants for extension learners.

Check-In Prompts During Lesson

“Can you show me a thumbs-up if you understand?”
“Who would like to try with me?”
“How are you feeling? Is this too fast or just right?”
“What part do you like best, the sound or the action?”

Differentiation Strategies

Use multiple modes: auditory (chant), visual (cue cards), kinaesthetic (actions), and verbal.
Support emergent language speakers with repeated exposure and translation.
Simplify text and increase white space for dyslexic learners.
Offer peer support and allow silent participation.
Adjust pace and length of chants to learner comfort.
Provide extra practice materials for home or independent work.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Compose a new Patere stanza based on their own names or ideas.
Explore the history and variations of Patere across iwi.
Record themselves chanting and evaluate their rhythm and tone.
Lead small groups in practises, developing leadership skills.

Cultural Respect and Tikanga Integration

Begin and end with a karakia or mihi where appropriate.
Use respectful waiata to open and close.
Explain the significance of posture, silence, and listening.
Foster an environment where all cultural backgrounds feel valued.
Discuss Patere as a living tradition that connects past and present.
Emphasise the collective wellbeing benefits of shared language and music.

This lesson plan embodies the kaupapa of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa by honouring Māori cultural practices through accessible, inclusive, and holistic teaching, promoting both language acquisition and wellbeing within a culturally immersive experience【6:Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】【10:Te Mataiaho English Single Page.pdf】【7:New Zealand Curriculum.html】.

If you want me to also generate the exact Patere chant text and accompanying materials or support documents, please let me know!

Teaching Instructions