What is a Pātaka?

Curriculum Area and Level

Social Sciences (Years 5-6)

Lesson Duration

15 minutes

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand what a pātaka is.
2. Recognize the significance of a pātaka in Māori culture and the school community.
3. Develop initial ideas for researching and fundraising for a pātaka.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Picture of a pātaka
• Chart paper and markers
• Devices for students to use for research (if available)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (3 minutes)

1. Greet the students and briefly introduce the topic by writing “Pātaka” on the whiteboard.
2. Show a picture of a pātaka and ask the students:
   • “What do you think this is?”
   • “Have you seen something like this before?”

Explanation and Discussion (4 minutes)

1. Explain that a pātaka is a traditional Māori storehouse used for storing food, tools, and other precious items.
2. Discuss its importance:
   • Cultural Aspect: Highlight how pātaka are beautifully carved and symbolize the iwi's (tribe's) wealth and status.
   • Community Role: Discuss how a pātaka could serve the school community by providing a place to store school supplies, sports equipment, or food donations.
3. Take brief responses and ideas from the students about why having a pātaka at their school would be valuable.

Group Activity (5 minutes)

1. Research Planning: Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students. Provide each group with chart paper and markers.
   • Task: Each group will brainstorm what they want to learn about pātaka and how they can raise funds to build one for their school.
   • Questions to Guide Brainstorming:
     • What materials are needed to build a pātaka?
     • Who can help us build it? (e.g., local carvers, builders)
     • How can we raise funds? (e.g., bake sales, sponsored events)
2. Instruct the students to write down their ideas and observations.

Sharing and Conclusion (3 minutes)

1. Have each group quickly share one idea they came up with for their research or fundraising.
2. Summarize the key points discussed and outline the next steps for their project:
   • Research more about pātaka using online and library resources.
   • Plan and initiate fundraising activities as a class.

Wrap-Up

• Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to think more about how they can contribute to the project.
• Remind them that their inputs are valuable in making the pātaka a reality for their school community.

Next Steps

• Use the next lesson to delve deeper into the history and construction of pātaka.
• Assign roles for research and fundraising plans.
• Set up a timeline for achieving their goals.

This lesson plan ensures that students not only learn about cultural artefacts such as the pātaka but also engage in meaningful discussions and activities that foster community spirit and teamwork.