Poi, Haka, Waiata

Lesson 1 of 10 in the Unit: Kapa Haka Performance Skills

Duration: 45 minutes
Class Level: Year 1–3
Number of Students: 20
Curriculum Area: The Arts – Drama (Levels 1–2 of the New Zealand Curriculum)
Focus Strand: Understanding the Arts in Context | Developing Practical Knowledge | Communicating and Interpreting
Related Learning Area: Learning Languages (Te Reo Māori integration)

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🎯 Learning Intentions

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand that Kapa Haka is a traditional form of Māori performing arts.
• Identify and name basic components of Kapa Haka: haka, waiata, and poi.
• Respond through movement, facial expression, and voice to Kapa Haka elements.
• Begin to explore tikanga (customs) connected to Kapa Haka.

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🌟 Success Criteria

Students can:

• Use voice, body, and facial expression to respond to elements of Kapa Haka.
• Name at least one part of a Kapa Haka performance (haka, waiata, or poi).
• Show respect when learning about Māori culture.

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🌺 Resources Needed

• Harakeke-name tags with student's names in Māori (if possible)
• A3 visuals or physical objects representing: Poi, Haka, Waiata (e.g. poi balls, image of haka face, a guitar or Māori instrument)
• Short video clip of a non-intimidating, child-friendly Kapa Haka performance (no hyperlink provided – teacher discretion suggested)
• Hung Māori tīpare (headbands) or paper ones for optional costume dress-up
• Small open space for movement
• Whiteboard or chart paper for group kōrero (discussion)
• Optional: background music with traditional Māori instruments

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⏰ Lesson Breakdown

🔅 1. Karakia & Mihimihi (5 mins)

Start with a short Karakia timatanga to ground the session.
Use a simple mihi template and invite a few tamariki to greet the class in te reo Māori (whakawhanaungatanga).

E.g. "Kia ora, ko [Name] ahau. I’m feeling excited to learn about Kapa Haka."

If this is new, model it first.

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📜 2. Whole Class Circle – What is Kapa Haka? (5 mins)

Group kōrero:
Pose the question: "Has anyone seen or heard of Kapa Haka before?"

Display the three visual icons:

• Haka (a dynamic pose)
• Poi (white balls or picture)
• Waiata (music note or sung word)

Say:

“Kapa Haka is how Māori tell stories with song, face, and movement.”

Explain in child-friendly terms:

• Haka = story told with big actions and faces
• Poi = twirling balls that tell a story
• Waiata = singing in te reo Māori

Encourage children to repeat the words aloud after you with hand movements:

“Haka! Poi! Waiata!”

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🌀 3. Movement Exploration – Haka Faces & Shapes (10 mins)

Activity: “Haka Mirrors” – Core Drama Skill: Facial Expression & Body Language

• Children pair up and face each other. One person is “the leader,” the other is “the mirror.”
• Leader creates haka gestures: wide stances, strong arms, pūkana (pointed tongue + wild eyes).
• Rotate roles to try both.

Use the command:

"Ngā kanohi mō te haka!" (The haka faces!)

Explain how haka shows pride, strength, and connection to the group.

✅ Curriculum Link: Developing Practical Knowledge | Using the body and voice in drama.

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🧶 4. Poi in the Air (10 mins)

Seat students in a circle.
Introduce the poi: Traditional performance used by women (and everyone here today!) to tell stories in time with music.

Game: "Invisible Poi"

• Without the physical poi, ask students to imagine holding poi in both hands.
• Guide them through rhythmic movements to a simple beat/clap pattern.
• Count and swing: “1-2-3-4, poi in the air, poi on the floor!”

You might use gentle traditional music as backing.

In pairs, let students make up one short movement (swing to side, in front, overhead) to show their storytelling.

✅ Curriculum Link: Communicating and Interpreting | Explore how movement and rhythm communicate meaning.

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🎶 5. Waiata Listening & Action (10 mins)

Play a calming waiata, e.g., Tutira Mai Nga Iwi or other kura-familiar waiata.

Invite tamariki to listen with hands on their tummy. Ask:

What do you feel?
Does your body want to move?
Can you sway with the beat?

Then, teach simple actions to match – swaying arms, tapping shoulders, or gentle turns.
Group repeats with singing if confident.

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🔄 6. Cool Down and Reflection (5 mins)

Return to the circle. Ask:

• What is something you learned today about Kapa Haka?
• Which part did you enjoy: haka, poi, or waiata?
• How did your body help you tell a story?

Note a few responses on a chart titled:

“Ko te mea pai rawa atu i te rā nei - The best thing today!”

Finish with a calming breath and shared karakia whakamutunga.

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🌈 Differentiation & Inclusion

• English Language Learners may be paired with fluent te reo tamariki.
• Shy students can participate with smaller gestures or in observation roles.
• Students with sensory needs may benefit from poi alternatives like scarves.
• Extension: Invite students to create their own haka pose and name it.

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🔄 Links to Future Learning

In the next lesson:

Students will learn to perform a simple haka line combining facial expression, vocal tone, and gesture.

Throughout the unit, tamariki will:

• Collaborate on creating, rehearsing, and performing a full Kapa Haka item.
• Explore and reflect on their identity through Māori storytelling traditions.
• Use drama to express cultural understanding and emotion.

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📚 Assessment Opportunities

Formative:

• Observe how students use facial expressions and body in haka.
• Oral check-in during reflection on understanding of components.
• Participation and contribution to group kōrero and movement.

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🧠 Teacher Reflection (Post-lesson)

• How did tamariki respond to the cultural elements?
• Were the transitions smooth for their attention spans?
• What adjustments might support deeper engagement next time?
• Did the students begin to show early understanding of the ‘why’ behind kapa haka?

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He taonga tuku iho – kapa haka is a gift passed down. With every movement, your tamariki are stepping into our shared story.

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui!