Rongoā Rakau Discovery

Curriculum Links

Social Sciences: Understand that people have different roles, cultures, and traditions in the community.
Science: Understand the natural world, including plants and their uses.
Health and Physical Education: Understand the importance of wellbeing and knowledge of rongoā as traditional healing.
Values: Respect, cultural diversity.
Key Competencies: Participating and contributing, managing self, relating to others.
Principles: Inclusion, Treaty of Waitangi, Cultural diversity.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Identify the kawakawa plant and name its uses as rongoā.
Recognise other edible plants from the garden that can be used as rongoā.
Understand simple karakia (prayer) related to rongoā.
Experience touch and feel of kawakawa and garden plants.

Success Criteria

Students can point out and name kawakawa.
Students can say what kawakawa and other garden plants can be used for.
Students participate in a simple karakia.
Students engage in the touch and feel activity, describing what they notice about the plants.

Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 15 Preschool Students

Context: Alternative secondary students with high complex needs.

Lesson Plan

1. Welcome and Karakia – 5 minutes

Begin with a simple karakia (prayer) to acknowledge Atua (spiritual guardians) and the importance of the plants.
Keep the karakia short and engaging, for example: “E ngā Atua, whakapaingia ēnei rongoā. Āwhinatia mātou ki te ako.” (Gods, bless these healing plants. Help us to learn.)
Use gentle clapping or a welcome song to engage students.

2. Introduction to Rongoā Rakau and Kawakawa – 10 minutes

Show real kawakawa leaves or a high-quality picture.
Explain kawakawa is a special plant used traditionally by Māori for healing.
Describe in simple terms what kawakawa can be used for (e.g., to soothe cuts or stomach aches).
Use clear, simple language and visual cues.
Connect with the students’ lives: talk about plants they might grow or eat.

3. Touch and Feel Activity – 15 minutes

Provide fresh kawakawa leaves and other edible garden plants (e.g., mint, spinach, or parsley if available).
Let students touch, smell, and examine the leaves closely.
Encourage descriptive words: soft, rough, smooth, prickly, smells like…
Have textured mats or pictures for added sensory experiences for diverse learners.
Support students needing assistance to engage in the activity.
Reinforce vocabulary by repeating plant names and their uses as students explore.

4. Simple Garden Rongoā Discussion – 7 minutes

Talk about plants we can grow in a garden used for rongoā that can be eaten.
Examples: Kawakawa, parsley, thyme, or garden herbs.
Use stories or simple sentences to explain how these plants help keep us healthy.
Allow students to share experiences about growing or eating plants.

5. Reflection and Karakia – 5 minutes

Recap what was learned: kawakawa and garden plants are healing and useful.
Lead a closing karakia to thank the Atua for the plants and learning.
Encourage students to say or repeat the karakia as they feel comfortable.
Use positive reinforcement and praise participation.

Differentiation Strategies

Use visuals, real plants, and tactile learning to support diverse sensory processing.
Simplified language and repetition for students with language or cognitive needs.
Pair students for peer support or have a helper for those needing one-on-one guidance.
Use gestures and facial expressions to support understanding.
Provide quiet spaces or fidget tools for students who may find sensory activities overwhelming.

Extension Activities

Provide a take-home activity card with pictures and names of plants to explore at home.
Advanced learners can help sort the plants into categories: “healing plants” and “food plants.”
Encourage drawing or collage art of kawakawa and garden plants.

Slide Presentation Resource: Healing Plants of Aotearoa

A 10-slide presentation designed for preschool students.
Supports the lesson with visuals and simple text on native medicinal plants.
View the slideshow here

Suggested video search: Healing Plants of Aotearoa slideshow for preschool learners

Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

Use large, clear fonts on name cards.
Include images with plant names.
Present information in simple, short sentences.
Use concrete examples and show real objects rather than abstract pictures when possible.

This lesson plan honours te ao Māori through rongoā education, fosters sensory and experiential learning, and aligns with the principles, values, and key competencies of the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. It also respects the diverse needs of students in an alternative secondary setting, emphasising inclusion, engagement, and cultural respect.