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Māori Storytelling Traditions

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Māori Storytelling Traditions

Māori Storytelling Traditions

📚 Part 1: Understanding Māori Storytelling

1. What is the Māori word for traditional stories and legends?

Whakapapa

Pūrākau

Whakatōhea

Kōrero

2. Which of the following are important elements in Māori storytelling? (Check all that apply)

Connection to ancestors

Teaching life lessons

Preserving cultural knowledge

Entertainment only

Explaining natural phenomena

3. Why is storytelling important in Māori culture? Write your answer below:

🌟 Part 2: Vocabulary and Cultural Terms

4. Match the Māori terms with their English meanings:
1. Whānau
2. Mana
3. Tapu
4. Whakapapa
5. Kaumātua
A. Sacred or forbidden
B. Genealogy or family connections
C. Spiritual power or authority
D. Extended family
E. Elder or respected person
5. Fill in the blanks using the words from the box above:

In Māori culture, _____________ are respected storytellers who pass down knowledge to their _____________. These stories often contain _____________ that teaches important values and connects people to their _____________.

🎨 Part 3: Visualising Stories

6. Think about a Māori legend you have read or heard. Draw a scene from the story that you can visualise in your mind:
7. Describe what you drew and explain why this scene was important to the story:
8. What mental images help you understand the characters' feelings in Māori stories?

🗣️ Part 4: Story Elements and Analysis

9. Choose a Māori legend and identify the main story elements:

Story Title: _________________________

Main Characters: _________________________

Setting (Where and When): _________________________

Main Problem or Conflict: _________________________

How it was Resolved: _________________________

Lesson or Message: _________________________

10. How do Māori stories connect to identity and values? Give specific examples:

🤔 Part 5: Critical Thinking and Reflection

11. What makes Māori storytelling different from other storytelling traditions?

It only tells made-up stories

It connects stories to whakapapa and cultural values

It doesn't teach any lessons

It's only for entertainment

12. How can we show respect when learning about Māori stories and culture?
13. Compare Māori storytelling with another cultural storytelling tradition you know. What similarities and differences do you notice?
14. Why is it important to preserve traditional stories in today's world?

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