Tane Mahuta and Birds

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Learn about Tane Mahuta, the god of the forest in Māori mythology.
Identify different native New Zealand birds associated with the forest.
Use Te reo Māori names for birds.
Engage in waiata and purakau (stories) to enrich language and cultural understanding.
Develop early literacy, listening, and fine motor skills through printable activities.
Express learning through drawing and storytelling with learning story templates.

Curriculum Links to Te Whāriki

Well-being | Mana Atua: Developing a sense of belonging and wellbeing through connection to nature and tūpuna (ancestors).
Contribution | Mana Tangata: Encouraging sharing and cooperation when participating in group waiata and discussions.
Communication | Mana Reo: Enhancing oral language skills through waiata, purakau and new vocabulary (bird names in te reo Māori).
Exploration | Mana Aotūroa: Stimulating curiosity about the natural world (Tane Mahuta and native birds).
Belonging | Mana Whenua: Building identity and understanding of place through ngā pūrākau (stories) and environment.

Success Criteria

I can say the names of some native birds in Te reo Māori.
I can recognise Tane Mahuta and understand his role in the forest.
I can join in with the waiata and purakau.
I can complete a simple colouring or matching activity about birds.
I can express what I liked or learned by drawing or telling a story.

Lesson Outline (10 minutes)

1. Introduction (2 minutes)

Teacher talks briefly about Tane Mahuta: Explain he is the guardian of the forest and how he is important to nature.
Show a large picture or a display of Tane Mahuta (a tall tree or figure).
Introduce 3 native birds commonly associated with forests: kererū (wood pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), toutouwai (robin).
Say each bird name slowly and clearly, encouraging children to repeat after you.

2. Waiata (2 minutes)

Teach a simple waiata (song) about the birds. Use hand actions to help children remember words. Example lines:
"Kia ora kererū, kia ora piwakawaka" (Hello kererū, hello fantail)
"Tane Mahuta te kaitiaki o te ngahere" (Tane Mahuta, the guardian of the forest)

3. Purakau (Story) (3 minutes)

Share a short simple purakau about Tane Mahuta creating the forest and the birds that live there. Use expressive voice and pictures.
Emphasise key vocabulary: ngahere (forest), manu (birds), kaitiaki (guardian), tane.

4. Printable Activity (2 minutes)

Distribute a colouring sheet showing Tane Mahuta and the three birds.
Children colour while repeating bird names.
For children who are ready, offer a matching activity: match birds to their names in Te reo Māori.

5. Reflection and Learning Story (1 minute)

Invite a few children to share what they liked or learned.
Teacher fills in a simple learning story template for each child, documenting the child’s engagement and new words.
Use printable evaluation sheets to record group participation and individual progress.

Differentiation Strategies

Provide picture cards of the birds with the name in both Te reo Māori and English for children at different language levels.
Allow children who are shy or have language delays to participate by colouring or pointing instead of speaking.
Use dyslexia-friendly fonts and clear images on all printables.
For children needing sensory support, use tactile bird tokens or feathers to explore.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Introduce other native birds like kiwi or kākā with their unique sounds.
Create a simple role-play game where children act as birds in the ngahere and practice calling out their names.
Write a simple sentence together as a group about Tane Mahuta and one bird using Te reo Māori printables.

Printable Materials to be Provided

Colouring sheet: Tane Mahuta with kererū, piwakawaka, and toutouwai.
Matching activity sheet: Match bird pictures to names in Te reo Māori.
Waiata lyric card: Large text with hand action prompts for the bird waiata.
Learning story templates: Simple fill-in-the-blank style for documenting learning and reflections.
Evaluation sheet: Checklist for teacher to assess engagement, language use, and understanding.

This lesson embraces the holistic goals of Te Whāriki, fostering a connection to Māori culture, language, and the natural environment, while supporting children’s communication and cognitive skills in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The combination of story, song, and creative activity offers multiple access points for diverse learners within a short 10-minute format.