Whakarongo, Tākaro, Ākohia!

Curriculum Area

Te Reo Māori – Pāngarau (Mathematics in Māori Medium Settings)
Curriculum Framework: Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
Level: Tau/Papa Reo – Te Whakatōtanga (0–6 years / ECE level, aligning with Levels 1–2 of Māori Language Immersion)

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Overview

This engaging, playful 5-minute session is designed for preschool ākonga (learners) to introduce shape names in te reo Māori. It aligns with kaupapa Māori principles by supporting ākonga to make connections between language, identity, and their natural learning environment.

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Learning Outcome

By the end of the session, ākonga will be able to identify and name 3 basic shapes in te reo Māori through movement, repetition, and creative exploration.

Ako Whāinga (Learning Intentions)

• Understand and pronounce the Māori kupu for key 2D shapes.
• Build shape recognition through movement and rhythm-based play.
• Strengthen oral language and group interaction in a te reo Māori environment.

Focus Shapes

1. Porowhita – Circle
2. Tapawhā – Square
3. Tapa toru – Triangle

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Kaiako Preparation

• Cut-out large felt or cardboard shapes in bright primary colours.
• Prepare a simple waiata or chant with actions (provided below).
• Create a soft ‘shape kete’ (basket or bag) for lucky dips.

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Materials

• Felt shapes: Porowhita, Tapawhā, Tapa toru
• Floor mat space
• Shape kete
• Puppets or toys (optional, for extra engagement)

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Session Breakdown – 5 Minutes

1. Karawhiua! / Let's Go! – Mihi and Warm Welcome (30 seconds)

Gather tamariki seated in a circle. Begin with a mihi (greeting):

“Tēnā koutou tamariki mā! Kei te pai koutou? I tēnei rā, ka ako mātou i ngā āhua! Tau kē!”

Encourage repetitions:

*"Āhua!" – All repeat together.

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2. Whakarongo Mai – Shape Discovery (2 minutes)

Lucky-Dip Shape Game

• Bring out the shape kete. One by one, tamariki pull out a shape.
• Each time a shape is pulled:
  1. Hold it up.
  2. Say the name slowly and clearly:

     “He porowhita tēnei.” – Everyone repeat: “Porowhita!”
     “He tapawhā tēnei.” – Everyone repeat: “Tapawhā!”
     “He tapa toru tēnei.” – Everyone repeat: “Tapa toru!”

• Reinforce by drawing the shape in the air with fingers as a group.

This movement supports kinesthetic learning and helps embed kupu through action.

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3. Tākaro Tere – Shape Hop & Match (2 minutes)

Whānau Movement Activity
Place the shapes randomly around the floor.

• Call out a shape in te reo (e.g., "Peke ki te porowhita!")
• Tamariki hop, walk or crawl (based on ability) to the correct shape.
• If they land on the wrong one, offer gentle support and repeat the kōrero.

Build rhythm and excitement by speeding up or slowing down.

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4. Waiata – Te Ruri Āhua (30 seconds)

Close with a shape chant with actions (tune: The Farmer in the Dell):

He porowhita, he porowhita (Draw a circle in the air)
He tapawhā, he tapawhā (Make a square with hands)
Tapa toru hoki rā (Make a triangle over head)
Ko ngā āhua katoa! (Wiggle hands and smile)

Encourage repetition and let each child choose a shape for the waiata if time allows.

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Culturally Responsive Practice

• All activities use kaiako-led kōrero Māori for both instruction and interaction, in line with Mana Ōrite mō te Mātauranga Māori.
• Repetition, rhythm and movement reinforce oriori learning styles and recall in te ao tamariki.
• The session focuses on ngā hononga (connections): between the child, the kupu, and their real-world experience.

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Assessment and Reflection

This session is ako-rich, with emphasis on oral repetition and physical response.
Kaiako should observe:

• Who is confidently repeating kupu?
• Who recognises and responds to shape names during movement games?
• Use this data to scaffold readiness for more complex āhua and explore connections with the natural world around the centre/kura.

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Tips for Extension

• Take shapes outside and trace in the sand with sticks – link to ngā taiao
• Make playdough āhua using cutters and pair with corresponding kupu
• Link with visual arts by creating a ‘shape collage’ in the next week’s activities

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Ngā Hononga ki Te Whāriki (ECE Curriculum Links)

• Mana Reo | Communication: Tamariki experience the stories and symbols of their culture.
• Mana Tangata | Contribution: Children are empowered to learn and grow through interaction.
• Mana Aotūroa | Exploration: Learning through movement and discovery in an open-ended environment.

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Final Kaiako Reminder

This short session is not about perfection, but playfulness and participation. Let the tamariki enter the world of kupu through joy, and te reo will flourish from there. Mā te tākaro, ka ako!

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Mauri ora!