Tiaki Taiao

Unit Context

This is Lesson 5 of 7 in the unit Te Reo Māori: Summer Discovery for preschool students (approx. age 4-5). The focus of this lesson is Tiaki Taiao — caring for the environment — to introduce children to the concept of guardianship and simple actions to protect their local environment.

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area

• Learning Languages (Te Reo Māori)
• This unit supports the New Zealand Curriculum’s commitment to bicultural foundations, enabling tamariki to develop knowledge of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, aligning with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• The lesson supports the Key Competencies of participating and contributing and managing self by encouraging active caring acts.
• Focus on oral language, vocabulary, and cultural concepts aligns with Phase 1 early years curriculum, aiming at building positive identity and enjoyment in language learning contexts.

Teaching Expectations

• Listening and speaking in Te Reo Māori with growing understanding and expression.
• Developing awareness and respect for taiao (the environment) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
• Learning vocabulary related to environment and guardianship.
• Engaging in learning that is culturally relevant and age-appropriate.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Understand and use simple te reo Māori vocabulary related to the environment and caring for it (e.g., taiao, ngahere, awa, tiaki).
• Express simple ideas about how to care for the environment and why it is important.
• Experience and demonstrate respect for the environment through actions and language.
• Engage in group discussion using basic te reo Māori phrases.
• Connect the concept of tiaki taiao to their everyday lives and local environment.

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Materials Needed

• Picture cards and photos showing natural environments (forests, rivers, animals, plants).
• Natural materials collected from outdoors (leaves, stones, flowers).
• A large poster or whiteboard with key vocabulary in te reo Māori.
• Storybook or pepeha about environmental guardianship or a Māori legend connected to the environment (e.g., story of Papatūānuku and Tāne Mahuta).
• Small recycling bins or containers.
• Soft music with waiata for environment (optional).

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Lesson Outline (30 Minutes)

1. Welcome and Karakia (5 minutes)

• Begin with a simple karakia to welcome the day and the lesson about the environment.
• Use gentle waiata for focus and cultural grounding.
• Set the special focus: “Today we will learn how to tiaki taiao — care for our environment.”

2. Introduction and Vocabulary (7 minutes)

• Show picture cards/photos of natural places and creatures (forest, river, birds, trees).
• Introduce key vocabulary in te reo Māori with simple explanations and gestures:
• Taiao (environment)
• Ngahere (forest)
• Awa (river)
• Tiaki (care/guard)
• Kaitiaki (guardian)
• Whakaruruhau (shelter/protection)
• Use repetition and encourage children to join in saying words aloud.

3. Story Sharing and Discussion (8 minutes)

• Share a simple story or legend about environmental guardianship (e.g., how Tāne Mahuta made the forest, or Papatūānuku’s role).
• Use puppets or props to engage children.
• Pause after key points to ask questions in te reo Māori such as “He aha te mahi a Tāne mahuta?” (What did Tāne Mahuta do?) and encourage short responses.
• Link the story’s message to today’s lesson about caring for the environment.

4. Interactive Activity: Tiaki Taiao Actions (7 minutes)

• Explain simple actions children can take to care for their environment:
• Picking up rubbish (tiaki i ngā para).
• Being gentle with plants and animals (aroha ki ngā tipu me ngā kararehe).
• Using water wisely (tiaki wai).
• Organise a small “clean-up” role-play using fake rubbish, recycling bins, and natural materials. Let children practise phrases while role-playing their actions.
• Use language prompts like: “Me pēhea tā tātau e tiaki ai?” (How do we care for it?)

5. Reflection and Wrap-up (3 minutes)

• Invite tamariki to share what they learnt or one thing they will do to care for the environment.
• Reinforce vocabulary learned by holding up flashcards and asking for repetition.
• Close with a karakia or waiata saying thank you for the environment and for their efforts to care for it.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative assessment based on participation in oral activities and use of te reo Māori vocabulary related to tiaki taiao.
• Observe engagement and understanding during discussions and role-play.
• Provide positive, specific feedback by repeating and extending children’s responses.
• Note any new vocabulary uptake and willingness to express ideas about environment care.

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Teacher Reflection and Extensions

• Reflect on children’s responses to vocabulary and story—were the concepts of tiaki and kaitiakitanga clear?
• Could children connect actions to caring for their local environment?
• Consider following this lesson with an outdoor nature walk to identify ways to tiaki taiao in the school grounds or local park.
• Use a nature journal with drawings and simple labelling in te reo Māori to deepen the ongoing connection to tiaki taiao.

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Supporting Competencies and Values

• Key Competencies:
• Participating and contributing — engaging with peers in shared environmental care activities.
• Managing self — understanding personal responsibility for the environment.
• Values supported:
• Manaakitanga (care and respect) — for the environment and living things.
• Kotahitanga (unity) — working together as guardians of our environment.
• Kaitiakitanga — guardianship and stewardship.

This lesson plan offers a culturally responsive and engaging approach to teaching young tamariki about environmental care in te reo Māori, nurturing language, values, and identity in line with the New Zealand Curriculum's principles and learning areas.