Unit #1: Te Reo Kori

Lesson 1: Introduction to Te Reo Kori

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📚 Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education

Strand: Movement Concepts and Motor Skills
Curriculum Level: Level 4 (Corresponding to Year 9)
AO:

"Demonstrate and describe movement skills in a range of contexts and describe how these movements relate to the cultural significance of those activities."

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🎯 Learning Intentions

By the end of this 60-minute lesson, ākonga (students) will:

• Understand the meaning and history of Te Reo Kori within a Māori context.
• Learn and apply at least three movement-based concepts related to Te Reo Kori.
• Use appropriate Māori vocabulary to describe basic Te Reo Kori movements.
• Begin to reflect on the cultural significance of movement and connection to whakapapa (genealogy), whenua (land), and whānau (family).

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✅ Success Criteria

Students will be able to:
✔ Describe what Te Reo Kori is and why it is important in te ao Māori
✔ Accurately perform and demonstrate 3 basic Te Reo Kori inspired movements
✔ Use 2–3 key Māori terms appropriately in context
✔ Begin to explore and respect tikanga (customs) around movement

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🧠 Key Vocabulary

• Te Reo Kori – The language of movement
• Tikanga – Protocols, customs
• Whakawhanaungatanga – Connecting/relationship-building
• Whakarongo – Listen
• Hākinakina – Sport or physical play
• Mana – Authority, presence, prestige
• Tūkana/Tēina – Older/younger sibling dynamic (leadership/following in movement contexts)

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🗓️ Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description
0–10 min	Karakia & Mihi Whakatau	Begin with a karakia (class-safe version led by teacher or confident student). Follow with a mihi whakatau where students are welcomed into the lesson and kaupapa (topic) is introduced. Set expectations around respect and tikanga for working with Māori knowledge.
10–20 min	What is Te Reo Kori?	A seated group discussion using slides or kaupapa cards. Students learn that Te Reo Kori blends movement with oral traditions, storytelling, waiata (songs), games, and tikanga Māori. Emphasise concepts like spiritual connection to movement and movement as language. Include short teacher-led story from a local iwi perspective if possible.
20–30 min	Whakarongo – Movement Warm-Up	Stand-up full mahi! Wrap a cultural movement warm-up with fun and rhythm: patu tapu-tapu (imaginary stick work), balance poses inspired by haka, timing games like poi (in air/without real poi). Include call-and-response in te reo Māori. Eg: "Whakarongo mai!" – listen up! “E tū!” – stand.
30–45 min	Skill Practice: Foundational Movements	Introduce and physically practice three fundamental Te Reo Kori movements. For example:

1. Takahi – stamp or beat (used in haka)
2. Neke – glide or shift (often in poi or kapa haka)
3. Huri – to turn or rotate
   Break class into small whānau groups (5 students per group). Each group takes turns leading a movement series combining the three actions. Include te reo commands with every shift (e.g. “Neke! Takahi! Huri!”). | | 45–55 min | Reflection Circle – Te Ao Māori Lens | Students regroup in a whakawhiti kōrero (reflective talking circle). Prompt: "How does moving in this way make you feel?" Reinforce concepts of mana, wairua (spirit), and whakapapa. Prompt students to consider movement not just as action but as connection. Facilitate respectful listening and sharing. | | 55–60 min | Cool Down & Karakia Whakamutunga | Return to calm with a breathing pattern exercise and stretching to traditional Māori flute sounds (koauau if available). End with a closing karakia. Set the scene for the next lesson: “Haka as storytelling.” |

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🎒 Resources Needed

• Open gym or outdoor space
• Speaker for background music or taonga pūoro (traditional instruments) sounds
• Vocabulary flashcards or posters
• Projector or printed slides with images of traditional Māori movement forms
• Printed handouts featuring 3 movements and their Māori names (optional for homework)

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👨‍🏫 Teacher Notes

• Be conscious of tikanga at every stage of the lesson. Model respectful behaviour around Māori concepts.
• Allow students to bring their own cultural connections to movement. Encourage whakawhanaungatanga and unity.
• Adapt movements as needed for diverse physical needs. Te Reo Kori encourages inclusion.
• Consider linking with a local iwi representative or Māori advisor for future lessons and authentic voice.
• Emphasise that this unit is not just physical—it's cultural, emotional, and spiritual.

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🎯 Assessment Opportunity

• Collect qualitative observational data during paired/group movement work—especially in use of te reo commands and accuracy of movement.
• Use the reflection circle for student voice and formative feedback.

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🪶 Extension or Homework Suggestion

Invite students to kōrero with their whānau: “What movements or games did your grandparents do that helped them tell stories or pass time?” Ask them to bring back one story, movement, or concept for next class kōrero.

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🔄 Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 2: Haka as Storytelling
Students will explore how haka uses movement and language to communicate stories, identity, and whakapapa.

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This lesson is part of a movement-rich, culturally embedded sequence designed to empower students through identity-driven learning. Ka mau te wehi!