Woven Expressions

Overview

Curriculum Learning Area:
Te Reo Māori – Waihanga i te reo (Creating Language)
Curriculum Level:
Level 4 – Aligned with Years 7–8 of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa

Unit: Tukutuku Cross Stitch Creations
Lesson: 1 of 1
Lesson Title: He whakamōhio ki ngā tukutuku me ngā tikanga tuitui rāranga
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Size: 20 students

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Whāinga Ako (Learning Intentions)

By the end of the session, students will:

• Explain the cultural significance of tukutuku panels within Māori meeting houses (wharenui)
• Recognise and describe at least two traditional tukutuku patterns and their meanings
• Use correct Te Reo Māori vocabulary to describe basic stitching concepts
• Practice the basic techniques of cross stitch applied to tukutuku-style weaving

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Success Criteria (Ngā Paearu Angitu)

Students will:

• Actively participate in the cultural discussion and tikanga surrounding tukutuku
• Identify and name patterns such as Poutama and Roimata Toroa
• Demonstrate proficiency in cross stitching a simple tukutuku-inspired pattern
• Use key vocabulary terms correctly (e.g. tuitui, rauemi, whakairo)

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Vocabulary (Kupu Hou)

Māori Term	English Translation
tukutuku	lattice panel weaving
tuitui	stitch/sewing
rauemi	materials
whakairo	carving/design
Poutama	stairway to heaven design
Roimata Toroa	albatross tears (symbol of mourning)

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Lesson Structure

1. Whanaungatanga / Karakia Whakatūwhera (5 mins)

• Begin with a short karakia to open the lesson and create a safe, respectful space.
• Introduce the kete kaupapa: "Ko te tukutuku he kōrero – tukutuku tells a story."
• Quick circle kōrero (pair share): "He aha ētahi mauhanga toi Māori kua kite koe?" (What Māori art designs have you seen before?)

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2. He Kōrero Tukutuku – Story into Stitch (7 mins)

Delivery: Kaiako-led discussion with visuals (digital slides or physical tukutuku examples)

Content Covered:

• What are tukutuku panels and why are they important in a wharenui?
• Traditional materials used – pingao, kiekie vs. modern interpretations
• Patterns introduced: Poutama (symbolising learning/journey), Roimata Toroa (mourning/albatross tears)

Interactive Element:

• Students shown two patterns and asked to guess their meaning in small groups → draw links with their own experiences
• Prompt: "He aha tēnei tauira e tohu ana?" ("What might this design represent?")

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3. Tuitui Tauira – Guided Cross Stitch Practice (12 mins)

Preparation: Each student needs:

• Aida cloth or felt square
• Needle (plastic or blunt for safety)
• Embroidery thread or wool
• Pre-marked template for 'Poutama' pattern on chart paper

Activity:

• Kaiako model simple cross stitch on classroom document camera or board

• Students follow slow, step-by-step oral instructions in Te Reo and English:

  • *“Tīkina tō miro” – Get your thread
  • “Tīmata ki te kokonga raro-mauī” – Begin at the bottom-left corner
  • “Tuitui katoa kia kotahi te tauira” – Stitch one full pattern

• Monitor, guiding groups where needed and encouraging peer buddy help

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4. Whakakapi – Reflect and Connect (6 mins)

Pair activity (2 mins):

• Students turn to a partner and use at least two Te Reo Māori kupu hou to describe what they did or learnt
  • “I tuitui au i te tauira Poutama…”

Class kōrero (2 mins):

• Share insights: "He aha te mea tino uaua? He aha te mea māmā?"
  (“What was the most challenging? What was easiest?”)

Kaiako summary (2 mins):

• Recap the cultural/storytelling role of tukutuku
• Encourage students to think about their own whānau stories or values they would want to represent in a tukutuku pattern

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Assessment for Learning (Formative)

✅ Anecdotal observation of participation in kōrero
✅ Use of correct vocabulary terms during practice
✅ Completion of basic pattern using cross stitch
✅ Reflective statements show cultural understanding

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Differentiation

Support:

• Peer pairing for cross stitch
• Visual aids and tactile examples
• Vocabulary word cards

Extension:

• Sketch a personal tukutuku pattern inspired by an important event or kaupapa in their life

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Rauemi (Resources)

• Aida cloth or felt
• Plastic needles and embroidery thread
• Visuals of tukutuku designs (posters or digital)
• Adapted word list and pattern instruction sheet
• Whiteboard or document camera for kaiako modelling

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Ako Framework Connections

• Te Ira Tangata – celebrating identity and culture through creative process
• Whanaungatanga – collaborative learning and shared storytelling
• Kotahitanga – doing the work together, unified by shared goals
• Mātauranga Māori – integrating cultural knowledge deeper than surface-level design

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Kaiako Reflection (Post-Lesson Questions)

• Did students engage meaningfully with the cultural connections?
• Were Te Reo terms reused naturally? (Not just prompted)
• Did all students complete the stitching task successfully?
• What aspects lit up their interest the most?

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This lesson weaves language, history, and hands-on expression into an experience that celebrates both mātauranga Māori and the creativity of our ākonga. Mauri ora!