Ranginui Exploration

Overview

A 60-minute Te reo Māori session for Kōhanga Reo tamariki (ages 0-4), focusing on Ranginui (Sky Father) from Māori mythology. The lesson incorporates the heart of Te Whāriki principles and learning outcomes, embedding language, cultural identity, and exploration. Diverse learning styles are supported with hands-on, sensory, audio, and provocation activities, alongside differentiation for diverse and advanced learners.

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Curriculum Links: Te Whāriki Framework

Strands and Goals Addressed

• Mana Whānau (Belonging): Children develop a sense of belonging through connection to their whakapapa and environment, fostering well-being and identity.
• Mana Reo (Communication): Developing oral language competencies, engagement with te reo Māori through stories, songs, and interactions.
• Mana Aotūroa (Exploration): Active exploration of natural world concepts through mythological stories encourages thinking and understanding.
• Mana Tangata (Contribution): Children participate and contribute in group and shared experiences.
• Mana Atua (Well-being): Supporting emotional well-being through story and cultural identity.

Learning Goals:

• Children explore te reo Māori vocabulary centered on Ranginui and related concepts.
• They develop listening and communication skills through storytelling.
• They engage their senses and motor skills with hands-on and sensory activities.
• Children begin to understand their place in te ao Māori and connectedness to whakapapa and environment.

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• WALT: Mōhio ki a Ranginui, te Matua o te Rangi, me ngā kōrero tuku iho mōna.
• We are learning to: know Ranginui, the Sky Father, and some stories about him from Māori mythology.

Success Criteria

• Tamariki can say and recognise basic te reo words related to Ranginui.
• Participate in a group story time by listening and responding with actions or words.
• Explore sensory materials representing the sky and stars with curiosity.
• Show respect and interest in te reo and Māori cultural stories.

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Lesson Plan Breakdown (60 mins, 15 tamariki)

Time	Activity	Description	Te Whāriki Focus
0-10 mins	Welcome & Karakia	Begin with a simple karakia and greeting routine to create a safe space, acknowledging the wairua of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. Use waiata to invite participation.	Mana Atua, Mana Whānau
10-25 mins	Storytelling: Ranginui and Papatūānuku	Use a large picture book or illustrated story in te reo Māori simple language about Ranginui (The Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). Include interactive pauses. Support with facial expressions, gestures.	Mana Reo, Mana Whānau
25-35 mins	Sensory Sky Exploration	Sensory trays with blue and black fabrics, glitter stars, feathers (representing sky and space). Children touch, move, explore while the teacher retells parts of Ranginui’s story in simple phrases.	Mana Aotūroa
35-45 mins	Hands-on Activity: Star Mobile	Tamariki create a simple mobile with paper stars and a circular frame representing the sky, using string. Teacher guides motor skills and te reo naming.	Mana Aotūroa, Mana Whānau
45-55 mins	Audio Experience: Waiata & Sounds of the Sky	Play waiata about Ranginui and natural sounds of wind, birds, and night. Encourage children to move and sing along. Use instruments like shakers or bells.	Mana Reo, Mana Atua
55-60 mins	Reflection & Goodbye	Gather tamariki in a circle, share one thing they liked or learned (using te reo or English). Close with a karakia or waiata.	Mana Whānau, Mana Reo

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Differentiation

For Diverse Learners

• Use visual aids and gestures to support understanding.
• Provide individual sensory items for those needing tactile engagement.
• Use clear, slow te reo pronunciation; repeat key words.
• One-on-one support during mobile making for fine motor challenges.
• Use paired peer support to encourage social connection and language modelling.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Encourage use of more complex te reo phrases about Ranginui.
• Invite tamariki to retell parts of the story in their own words.
• Explore drawing or painting Ranginui in their own style.
• Introduce related myths or concepts of the star constellations.

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Resources Needed

• Illustrated storybook or laminated images of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
• Sensory trays with fabrics, glitter, feathers, star shapes.
• Material and string for star mobiles.
• Audio device for waiata and natural sounds.
• Small musical instruments (shakers, bells).
• Te reo flashcards with key vocabulary (e.g., Rangi, Papa, whetū, rangi).

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Te Reo Key Vocabulary

• Ranginui - Sky Father
• Papatūānuku - Earth Mother
• Whetū - Stars
• Rangi - Sky
• Whakaaro - Thought/idea
• Aroha - Love/compassion
• Tamariki - Children

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Assessment (Ongoing/Formative)

• Observations of tamariki participation and engagement during activities.
• Listening for use or recognition of key te reo words.
• Noting ability to sustain attention during storytelling.
• Children’s responses and interactions during song and reflection time.

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This lesson celebrates Te Whāriki’s holistic approach by integrating language, culture, identity, and exploration in a nurturing environment. The diversity of activity types ensures accessibility for all learners, while extension options provide stimulation for advanced tamariki.

I hope this plan helps kōhanga reo teachers bring the story of Ranginui to life for their tamariki with warmth, engagement, and cultural pride.

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If you need me to develop follow-up lessons or build a series focusing on other atua or natural elements, just ask!