Tūrangawaewae: Finding Our Place to Stand
Exploring belonging and identity Year 4 Social Studies Week 1 - Understanding the word
WALT: Break Down the Word Tūrangawaewae
We Are Learning To understand what Tūrangawaewae means Success Criteria: I can explain each part of the word I can connect this to my own sense of belonging I can share one way this word relates to me
Word Detective Challenge
Look at the word: Tūrangawaewae Can you spot three smaller words inside? Work with a partner to find the parts Draw or write what you discover
Breaking It Down: Tūranga + wae + wae
Tūranga = standing place Wae = foot or leg Wae = foot or leg (repeated for emphasis) Together = 'a place to stand with both feet firmly planted'
Think and Share
Where do YOU feel like you have both feet firmly planted? What places make you feel secure and confident? Turn to someone next to you and share one place
Tūrangawaewae in Different Cultures
{"left":"In Māori culture: connection to ancestral land, marae, whakapapa (family connections)\nIn Samoan culture: 'fanua' (land), 'aiga' (family), village connections, fa'a Samoa (Samoan way)","right":"In other cultures: homeland, family traditions, community spaces\nAll cultures have ways to describe 'belonging' and 'home'"}
My Tūrangawaewae Map
Draw or write about YOUR special places Include: family, friends, activities, traditions Add words in any language you speak Make it colorful and personal!
"Tūrangawaewae is not just about land - it's about identity, belonging, and knowing who you are."
This means our 'place to stand' can be: People who love us Traditions we follow Languages we speak Values our families teach us
Our Learning Journey Ahead
Week 1: Understanding tūrangawaewae Week 2: Family stories and traditions Week 3: Community connections Week 4: Creating our belonging project Week 5: Sharing and celebrating
Exit Ticket: My New Learning
Complete this sentence: "Tūrangawaewae means..." Draw one thing that helps you feel like you belong Share with someone before you leave