Lesson Plan: "The Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera

Overview

This lesson plan is designed for a Year 11 English class in New Zealand, focusing on the novel "The Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera. The lesson emphasises literacy skills aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum, specifically aimed at Level 6 of the English learning area. The curriculum encourages students to "show a developing understanding of how texts are shaped for different purposes and audiences" (NZ Curriculum).

Duration

30 Minutes

Class Size

7 Students

Curriculum Area

• Subject: English
• Curriculum Level: Level 6 (New Zealand Curriculum - English)
• Key Competencies:
  • Using language, symbols, and texts
  • Thinking
  • Relating to others

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Analyse the cultural and historical context of "The Whale Rider" and its relevance to contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand.
2. Understand and discuss the themes of leadership, gender roles, and tradition within the novel.
3. Appreciate the use of Māori mythology in contemporary literature and its significance in shaping identity.

Resources Needed

• Copies of "The Whale Rider" by Witi Ihimaera for each student.
• Projector and screen for viewing excerpts from the film adaptation.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Access to TKI resources: Te Kete Ipurangi - The Whale Rider

Lesson Plan Outline

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Briefly introduce Witi Ihimaera and the significance of his work in New Zealand literature.
  • Discuss why "The Whale Rider" has been chosen for study and its relevance to New Zealand culture and history.

2. Cultural and Historical Background (10 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Provide a presentation on the cultural and historical settings of the novel, focusing on the East Coast of the North Island and the importance of Māori culture in the story.
  • Highlight key Māori concepts present in the novel such as 'whakapapa' (genealogy), 'mana' (authority, integrity), and 'tapu' (sacredness).

3. Group Discussion: Themes and Characters (10 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Divide the students into small groups.
  • Assign each group a theme or character to analyse and discuss:
    • Leadership and change.
    • The roles of men and women.
    • The clash between tradition and modernity.
  • Each group presents their findings to the class.

4. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Activity:
  • Encourage students to reflect on how the themes in "The Whale Rider" relate to their own lives and contemporary issues in New Zealand.
  • Discuss how learning about different cultural perspectives through literature can enhance understanding and empathy.

Assessment

• Oral Presentation:
  • Assess students' ability to articulate their group's findings on the novel's themes and characters.
• Participation:
  • Evaluate students' engagement and contributions during the group discussions.

Extensions

• Encourage students to watch the film adaptation of "The Whale Rider" to compare its portrayal of key themes and characters with the novel.
• Recommend students explore other works by Witi Ihimaera or other Māori authors to broaden their understanding of Māori literature and its context.

This lesson plan aims to create a comprehensive understanding of "The Whale Rider," fostering appreciation for New Zealand's unique cultural heritage and promoting critical thinking through literary analysis.