Waka Model Creation

Year Level

Year 10 (Aged 14-15)

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 students

WALT (We Are Learning To)

We are learning to understand the cultural significance and parts of a waka.
We are learning to apply this knowledge by creating a model waka.
We are learning to work collaboratively and reflect on traditional Māori craftsmanship.

Success Criteria

I can identify and describe the key parts of a waka.
I can explain the cultural significance of the waka in Māori heritage.
I can collaborate effectively to build a model waka.
I can use creativity and problem-solving skills to complete the project.
I can reflect on the learning process and my contribution to the group.

Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Social Sciences - Aotearoa New Zealand Histories

Achievement Objective: Explore how Māori and other peoples have contributed to and shaped Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage and culture through inquiry and meaningful experiences.
Develop understanding of Māori cultural practices and their significance.

Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum Refresh)

Thinking: Apply creative and critical thinking in designing and building the waka model.
Using language, symbols, and texts: Use verbal and visual communication to explain waka parts and meaning.
Managing self: Plan and organise time and materials effectively.
Relating to others: Collaborate respectfully in groups.
Participating and contributing: Share ideas and contribute to group decision-making.

Values

Whanaungatanga (building relationships and community)
Manaakitanga (respect and care for others and culture)

Resources Required

Pre-prepared waka model kits (or materials like cardboard, wood strips, glue, string, paint)
Reference images and diagrams of waka and parts labelled (including Māori terms)
Vocabulary list of waka parts and cultural concepts
Instruction sheets (dyslexia-friendly formatting: clear font, large size, spacing)
Reflection sheets for students
Tools: scissors, glue, paintbrushes, markers

Lesson Outline

Time	Activity Description	Details	Differentiation & Supports
0-10 mins	Introduction and Review	Teacher briefly recaps previous lessons on waka heritage and parts, showing images and vocabulary. Introduce project: building a model waka that shows knowledge of parts and cultural significance.	Use visual aids with bilingual te reo Māori labels. Use explicit language explanations. Dyslexia-friendly handouts.
10-15 mins	Group Formation & Planning	Students form groups of 4-5. Groups discuss how to assemble their waka using instruction sheets and diagrams. Assign roles (builder, painter, recorder, presenter).	Support less confident students with clear role instructions and peer buddy systems. Allow advanced students to plan detailed decorations or research extended background.
15-45 mins	Model Building	Hands-on activity building the waka model. Teacher circulates helping groups, encouraging discussion about waka parts and cultural meaning as they build.	Provide step-by-step visual instructions. Allow for alternative materials/scaling for different abilities. Extension: Students can create small accessories to represent waka use (paddles, decorations).
45-55 mins	Presentations & Sharing	Each group presents their waka model to the class, describing key parts and sharing what they learned about cultural significance. Teacher prompts with questions to deepen thinking.	Allow oral or digital presentations (e.g., students can record a video or use visuals). Provide sentence starters for presenting.
55-60 mins	Reflection and Wrap-Up	Students complete reflection sheets: What did I learn? What was challenging? How did my group work? Teacher summarises key cultural insights and praises collaborative learning.	Reflection sheets can be oral or written. Provide sentence frames or picture prompts for students needing support.

Assessment

Formative assessment during group work: teacher observes collaboration, engagement with cultural content, and application of knowledge of waka parts.
Success criteria checklist during presentations and reflection.
Reflection sheets reviewed for depth of understanding.

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

Provide dyslexia-friendly reading materials: use clear fonts (e.g., OpenDyslexic), large print, and spaced layout.
Use bilingual labels (English and te reo Māori) to support language learners.
Allow varied roles in group (hands-on builders, planners, presenters) to cater to strengths.
Use visual instructions and realia to supplement written instructions.
Extra scaffolding for students with learning difficulties, including peer support.
Allow use of assistive technology for recording or presenting.

Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

Research and present additional cultural stories linked to waka (e.g., legends of famous waka or waka builders).
Design and paint intricate patterns representing iwi or hapū symbolism on their waka model.
Create a digital presentation or poster linking waka heritage to contemporary Māori identity.
Explore technical aspects such as waka construction techniques or navigation methods.

Cultural Considerations

Begin the lesson with a mihi (greeting) and establish respect for Māori customs.
Embed tikanga Māori values through the activity (whanaungatanga, manaakitanga).
Reinforce the importance of waka as taonga (treasure) and its role in Māori identity and history.
Use te reo Māori names for waka parts in teaching and during presentations.

Teacher Tips

Prepare materials and groupings in advance to maximise hands-on time.
Encourage students to relate waka traditions to their own family or community heritage.
Use questioning to encourage metacognitive reflection on learning progress.
Celebrate all efforts and cultural engagement to motivate learners.

This lesson empowers students to engage practically and respectfully with Māori history, connecting hands-on creation with deep cultural understanding, aligned explicitly to the NZ Curriculum Refresh in Social Sciences, key competencies, and values .

Teaching Instructions