Samoan Language Basics

WALT

We Are Learning To:

• Understand and use basic Samoan vocabulary and phrases.
• Recognise common greetings and expressions in Samoan.
• Appreciate the structure and cultural context of the Samoan language.

Success Criteria

• I can confidently greet others in Samoan.
• I can use common expressions appropriately in conversations.
• I understand basic aspects of Samoan sentence structure.
• I show respect for Samoan culture in my language use.

---

Curriculum Links

New Zealand Curriculum: Learning Languages (Years 7-10)

• Learning area statement: Learning languages develops students' capacity to communicate in a language other than English, broadens their understanding of different world views, and enhances their knowledge of their own culture and language.
• Achievement objectives:
  • Communicate simple information about themselves and their world using everyday vocabulary and phrases.
  • Understand basic spoken and written texts in simple, familiar contexts.
  • Recognise and use respectful communication forms appropriate to the language and culture.
• Key Competencies integrated:
  • Using language, symbols, and texts: Using spoken, written, and visual languages to communicate.
  • Relating to others: Interacting effectively with a diverse range of people.
  • Managing self: Demonstrating confidence and perseverance in learning a new language.
• Principles:
  • Cultural diversity and inclusion are fundamental; teaching should respect and include Pacific languages and cultures as official languages of New Zealand.
  • Inclusive practices should accommodate diverse learning needs and strengths.

These are drawn specifically for languages learning in years 7-10, appropriate for our Year 9 class studying Samoan as part of exploring Pacific cultures and languages .

---

Lesson Duration: 75 minutes

Class Size: 20 students
Level: Year 9

---

Lesson Outline and Timing

Time	Activity	Details & Differentiation
0 - 10 minutes	Engage & Introduce	Icebreaker: "Talofa Lava" greeting circle — students greet each other in Samoan. Dyslexia-friendly: Use printed name tags with Samoan greetings in large clear font with colour coding for vowel sounds.
10 - 25 minutes	Vocabulary Input	Introduce key vocabulary and phrases: - Greetings ("Talofa", "Ia ora na", "Malo le soifua") - Common expressions ("Fa'afetai", "Manuia le aso") - Basic sentence structure overview (subject-verb-object typical order) Use visual flashcards, realia, and phonetic spelling for clarity. Extension: Students create flashcards with drawings for extra words.
25 - 40 minutes	Listening & Speaking Practice	Play audio clips of native speakers using basic greetings and expressions. Paired role-play: practice simple greetings and responses. Differentiation: Pair strong speakers with learners needing support. Dyslexia-friendly: Audio supports those who find reading challenging.
40 - 55 minutes	Interactive Group Activity	Small groups create a short scripted greeting and introduction dialogue incorporating learnt vocabulary and structure. Groups perform to class, using props if they wish. Extension: advanced learners add cultural gestures or simple sentence expansion.
55 - 65 minutes	Cultural Reflection and Structure Discussion	Brief overview of cultural significance of greetings in Samoan society. Whole-class discussion: Why is greeting important? How does language reflect culture? Teacher models and explains simple sentence structure and common phrase patterns. Dyslexia-friendly: Provide printed sentence frames with colour-coded parts of speech.
65 - 75 minutes	Assessment & Review	Quick quiz (verbal and written) on vocabulary and phrases. Exit slip: Students write or say one greeting or expression and one fact about Samoan language structure. Teacher notes individual support needs and plans next steps. Extension: Students write their own simple Samoan greeting message for a friend.

---

Resources

• Samoan language flashcards with phonetic cues
• Audio recordings of basic greetings by native speakers
• Printed name tags with greetings
• Sentence frame handouts with colour-coded words
• Props for role play (optional)

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For Diverse Learners

  • Use of clear, dyslexia-friendly fonts and colour coding to support reading
  • Audio support to enhance listening and pronunciation skills
  • Pairing and group work to provide peer support
  • Visual aids and gestures to reinforce meaning

• For Advanced Learners

  • Extension activities like creating extra vocabulary flashcards
  • Role-play with added cultural gestures and more complex sentence structures
  • Encouraged to research additional greetings or polite expressions

---

Integration of New Zealand Curriculum Competencies

• Using language, symbols, and texts: Students interpret and produce Samoan language texts verbally and visually, reflecting on language structure to communicate meaning clearly.
• Relating to others: Through role-play and group work, students interact respectfully, practicing cultural norms and social language functions.
• Thinking: Students critically consider the cultural importance of greetings and language structure, understanding how language shapes communication.
• Managing self: Students set personal goals to learn and use new vocabulary, engage persistently in practicing language skills.
• Participating and contributing: Performance and group discussion involve collaboration and sharing ideas with classmates, contributing to a supportive learning community .

---

This lesson plan empowers Year 9 students with foundational Samoan language skills embedded in the cultural context, fostering respect and understanding in line with New Zealand’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusive education. The varied approaches address multiple learning needs and promote both language competence and cultural appreciation.