Unit #1 | Māori Games

Lesson 1: Introduction to Māori Games – History and Significance

Year Level: Year 8
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
NZ Curriculum Area: Health & Physical Education – Level 4
Strand(s):

• Movement Concepts and Motor Skills
• Relationships with Other People
• Healthy Communities and Environments

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🌟 WALT:

We Are Learning To:

• Understand the cultural and historical significance of Māori games
• Identify the values and skills embedded in traditional Māori games
• Begin making connections between play and tikanga Māori (customs and practices)

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🪃 Lesson Overview

In this exploratory lesson, students are introduced to traditional Māori games as a powerful lens into te ao Māori (the Māori world). Through collaborative discussion, storytelling, and visual learning, ākonga (students) will unpack the cultural narratives behind games like kī-o-rahi, pūkana, and poi, and reflect on how Māori used games for teaching values, strengthening whānau (family) ties, and preserving knowledge.

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🎯 Success Criteria

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

• Describe the cultural importance of at least one traditional Māori game
• Identify 2–3 values taught through these games (e.g. teamwork, courage, balance)
• Share an observation or question about the role of games in Māori society

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👩‍🏫 Teaching and Learning Sequence

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Time	Activity
5 mins	Mihi / Karakia / Warm Welcome
10 mins	WALT & Lesson Overview
15 mins	Māori Games: Storytelling & Discussion
15 mins	Group Activity – Values in Games
10 mins	Class Reflection Circle
5 mins	Exit Ticket + Preview of Next Lesson

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🔸 Warm Welcome (5 mins)

Purpose: To centre the class in tikanga Māori and establish a positive, focused tone.

• Begin with a simple mihi and karakia (adapt to your teaching context)
• Welcome students with enthusiasm: "Today we begin an awesome journey into the world of traditional Māori games!"

Differentiation Note: Use a bilingual slide (Te Reo Māori / English) for the mihi and karakia to support learners developing their language understanding.

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🧭 WALT & Lesson Overview (10 mins)

• Introduce the WALT and display it visually and verbally
• Ask students:
  "What do you already know about Māori games?"
  "What do you think games can teach us besides just how to win?"

Use a think-pair-share format so all students contribute.

Dyslexia Friendly Note – Use sans-serif fonts on slides, minimal text, high contrast colours (e.g. dark text on light pastel background), and read out loud as students follow.

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📖 Storytelling & Cultural Connection (15 mins)

Activity Title: The Story Behind the Game

• Share a brief story or pūrākau (narrative) about kī-o-rahi, explaining its origins and connection to Māori legends. Focus on the story of Rahitutakahina and his strength and courage.
• Students watch a 1-minute visual drama or illustration (teacher-selected, previously downloaded or drawn to avoid hyperlinks).
• Class discussion:
  • What messages are hidden in this story?
  • What values do you think this game teaches?
  • Why would Māori society pass these on through games?

Extension Activity: Ask advanced learners to identify cross-cultural similarities, e.g., “What learning do we see in traditional games from other cultures?”

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🎯 Group Values Activity (15 mins)

Activity Title: Hei Patai: What Does This Teach?

Instructions:

• Students split into 6 groups of 5.
• Each group is given a short description and image of a different Māori game:
  Poi, tī rākau, kēmu whutupōro rāua atu, pūkana, haka taparahi, kī-o-rahi
• In groups, they discuss and write answers to:
  1. What do you think this game involved?
  2. What value or skill might have been important to succeed in it?
  3. Who would play this and why?

Include differentiation through:

• Mixed-ability grouping
• Use of visual prompts and scaffolded worksheet (sentence starters and word bank)
• Provide tactile resources: printed game cards with illustrated icons

Extension for Advanced Learners: Encourage these students to consider how these older games might be modified for today's world – how could they bring this into PE at school?

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💬 Reflection Circle (10 mins)

Gather students together in a circle (kanohi ki te kanohi - face to face).

Ask reflective prompts:

• “What surprised you today?”
• “What values are important in our games, communities, and lives today?”
• Encourage each student to say one word or phrase that sums up a learning, e.g., manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, balance, strategy, etc.

Student Voice Support: Allow students to pass or use ‘talking stick’ approach for respectful turn-taking and comfort.

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📝 Exit Ticket & Preview (5 mins)

Exit Slip Question (Paper or Digital):

• “What is one thing you learned today that surprised or inspired you?”
  OR
• “What question do you now have about Māori games?”

Next Lesson Teaser: “Next lesson we’re moving onto learning the rules and trying tī rākau– a stick game that tests your rhythm, patience, and teamwork!”

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🛠️ Differentiation Strategies

Learner Need	Strategy
Dyslexia-Friendly	Use audio-enhanced slides, plain fonts (e.g. Verdana), colour overlays if needed
English Language Learners	Provide key vocabulary list in English and Te Reo Māori with visuals
Neurodiverse Learners	Give preview of structure and allow participation in multiple formats (oral, drawing, written)
Advanced Learners	Prompt higher-order thinking with cultural comparisons or leadership in group discussions

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🧠 Key Vocabulary

(Provide a visual slide and/or handout)

Te Reo Māori	English Translation
Kēmu	Game
Rongoā	Healing, well-being
Tikanga	Custom, practice
Whanaungatanga	Relationships
Manaakitanga	Care/Respect
Taputapu	Tools, equipment

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🗂 Teacher Notes

• Consider pairing this unit with a Social Sciences or Te Reo Māori unit exploring early Māori life.
• Integrate cross-curricular links—e.g., storytelling through drama or art.
• Use this first lesson to observe group dynamics and plan grouping strategies for physical games in later lessons.

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📦 Materials Required

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printouts of Māori game cards (images + descriptions)
• Reflections slips or digital alternative
• Large circle space for class discussion
• Visual presentation (Dyslexia-friendly format)

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Prepared by: Your AI Assistant, tailored to the NZ Curriculum and ākonga needs.

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He taonga te ako – Learning is a treasure.