Pepeha Whakanikoniko

Year 13 Karapipiti Lesson Plan

Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Subject: Languages (Te Reo Māori)
Curriculum Framework: Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (The Māori-medium curriculum for New Zealand schools)
Focus: Pepeha Whakanikoniko – expressing pepeha with cultural enhancement
Alignment: Te Mātaiaho English and Learning Languages curriculum strands for Year 13, emphasizing identity, cultural connection, and communication skills

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Whakamāramatia (Understand) the concept of pepeha whakanikoniko, recognising its role in expressing identity, whakapapa, and cultural connection.
2. Whakamahia (Use) te reo Māori to confidently and accurately state and embellish their pepeha incorporating tikanga Māori.
3. Whakawhānau (Connect) with their cultural heritage through oral expression and the use of traditional protocols (tikanga) during sharing.
4. Whakapuaki (Communicate) effectively in front of peers, demonstrating mastery of tone, volume, and non-verbal communication as outlined in Te Mātaiaho oral language competencies.
5. Aromātai (Assess) their own and peers’ pepeha presentations using culturally appropriate feedback focusing on language use, cultural accuracy, and delivery.

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Curriculum References

• Te Marautanga o Aotearoa — Learning Languages:
  “Ko tōu reo, ko tōku reo, te tuakiri tangata” (Your voice and my voice express identity) emphasizes language as a medium for identity and cultural connection .

• Te Mātaiaho (Year 13 oral and interpersonal communication):

  • Use tone, volume, and pace strategically to influence listeners and achieve communication goals.
  • Use non-verbal communication such as body language, posture, and facial expression to complement verbal messages.
  • Engage in respectful conversations, including turn-taking and clarifying questions to maintain topic focus .

• Te Mātaiaho English strand: Developing positive identities through language, culture, and communication .

• Tikanga Māori Integration:
  Incorporate karakia, mihimihi (greetings), and noho tahi (shared space interaction) reflecting tikanga appropriate for sharing pepeha.

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Resources

• Māori language dictionaries and phrasebooks
• Examples of pepeha whakanikoniko texts (written and recorded)
• Visual aids: pepeha templates and pepeha mapping charts
• Audio-visual equipment for presentations
• Wharenui or culturally safe learning space setup
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sentence stems and prompts for scaffolding oral practice

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity Description	Details & Notes
5 min	Whakauru / Introduction – Karakia and mihimihi	Begin with a short karakia to set the tikanga tone. Briefly introduce pepeha whakanikoniko, explaining how it is a personalised poetic way to express identity and whakapapa.
10 min	Whakawhanake ā-aroaro / Discussion and Exploration	Discuss the components of pepeha whakanikoniko and its cultural significance. Use examples, pointing out enhancements like metaphors or whakataukī enriching their pepeha. Encourage students to share any prior knowledge or family pepeha stories.
10 min	Aromātai Raraunga / Guided Practice – Crafting Own Pepeha	Students work individually or in pairs to draft their embellished pepeha using provided templates and sentence stems in te reo Māori. Teachers circulate, supporting with language, cultural protocol, and pronunciation.
15 min	Whakaatu / Oral Presentation Practice	Students practise delivering their pepeha whakanikoniko aloud in small groups (3-4). Emphasise tone, volume, rhythm, and use of non-verbal communication (e.g., posture, hand gestures). Provide examples and demonstrate. Use peer feedback guided by sentence stems like “I liked how you…” or “You could try…”
15 min	Whakaatu ā-kaiwhakamahi / Whole Class Sharing and Feedback	Volunteers present their pepeha whakanikoniko to the whole class in a noho tahi or appropriate cultural setting. Teachers facilitate respectful listening and responses, using tikanga for encouragement and manaaki. After each, ask peers one positive comment and one suggestion for growth, focusing on cultural expression and language accuracy.
5 min	Whakamutunga / Reflection and Connection	Whole class reflects on the value of pepeha whakanikoniko in cultural identity and communication. Discuss how language, tikanga, and storytelling give life and depth to identity expression. Link back to Te Marautanga o Aotearoa learner identity objectives. Optionally, close with a waiata or karakia.

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Differentiation and EAL Support

• Provide sentence stems, word banks, and visual aids to support learners less confident in te reo Māori.
• Pair beginner speakers with fluent peers in cooperative learning roles for scaffolding.
• Use repetition, modelling, and gradual release strategies to build confidence.
• Allow alternative means of expression (e.g., digital recordings, visual pepeha maps) for learners with diverse communication needs.

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Assessment Ideas

Formative Assessment:

• Observe and note students’ language use and cultural appropriateness during pair and group practice.
• Use peer feedback checklists focusing on communication effectiveness, cultural accuracy, and tone/pacing.

Summative Assessment:

• Structured oral pepeha whakanikoniko presentation to the class (can be recorded) evaluated against rubrics incorporating:

  • Accurate use of pepeha vocabulary and cultural phrases in te reo Māori.
  • Evidence of pepeha enhancement (e.g., use of whakataukī, metaphors, imagery).
  • Use of tikanga protocols in delivery and interaction.
  • Effective non-verbal communication, including body language and voice control.
  • Reflection on personal identity and whakapapa expression.

• Self-assessment: Students write a short reflection in te reo Māori or English on what their pepeha reveals about their identity and how pepeha whakanikoniko enriches that expression.

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Tikanga Māori and Language Integration Notes

• Begin and end sessions with appropriate karakia.
• Acknowledge mana whenua or local iwi at the start to respect place-based identity.
• Teach pepeha wording within the context of tikanga, noting the importance of whakapapa and whenua connections.
• Encourage use of Māori greetings and farewells during all class interactions.
• Model correct pronunciation with patience and positivity.
• Embed cultural protocols around speaking and listening, e.g., no interrupting, maintaining eye contact to show respect.

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This lesson plan confidently empowers Year 13 students to connect deeply with their identity through pepeha whakanikoniko, fostering cultural pride and enhanced communication skills in te reo Māori within the rich framework of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and Te Mātaiaho oral language expectations. It embraces tikanga Māori protocols and culturally responsive teaching practices to bring pepeha to life in a dynamic, respectful learning environment, preparing students to be articulate and culturally grounded communicators.

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If you would like, I can also prepare printable templates or digital resources for pepeha crafting and peer feedback forms aligned with this plan!