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Māori Storytelling Traditions

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Māori Storytelling Traditions

Māori Storytelling Traditions

Traditional Māori storytelling scene

🎭 Part 1: Understanding Māori Storytelling

1. What is the main purpose of Māori storytelling traditions? (Circle the best answer)

Entertainment only

Passing down knowledge, history, and values

Making money

Competing with other cultures

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

Whakapapa (genealogy)

Whenua (land)

Atua (gods/ancestors)

Connection to te taiao (environment)

Modern technology

3. Fill in the blanks about Māori storytelling:

Māori stories often connect people to their _____________ and help preserve _____________ for future generations. These stories frequently feature _____________ who guide and protect the people.

📚 Part 2: Story Elements and Structure

4. Match the Māori storytelling elements with their descriptions:
1. Whakapapa
2. Whenua
3. Atua
4. Whakatōhea
A. Land and place connections
B. Ancestral beings and gods
C. Family lineage and genealogy
D. Tribal identity and belonging
5. What makes a good storyteller in Māori tradition? (Check all that apply)

Uses expressive voice and tone

Incorporates body language and gestures

Speaks very quietly

Connects with the audience

Respects cultural protocols

✍️ Part 3: Planning Your Own Story

6. Create a story map for your own Māori-inspired story. Include the following elements:

Main Characters (include connection to ancestors or atua):

Setting (describe the whenua/land):

Problem or Challenge:

How the ancestors/atua help:

Resolution and lesson learned:

7. Draw a scene from your story that shows the connection between characters and the land:

🎤 Part 4: Storytelling Techniques

8. List three storytelling techniques you will use when presenting your story:
9. How can you show respect for Māori culture when telling your story?
10. What is one thing you learned about Māori storytelling traditions that you didn't know before?

🌟 Part 5: Reflection and Self-Assessment

11. Rate your understanding of these concepts (Circle one for each):

Whakapapa (genealogy):

Don't understand

Somewhat understand

Understand well

Can explain to others

Connection to whenua (land):

Don't understand

Somewhat understand

Understand well

Can explain to others

12. How will you use what you've learned about Māori storytelling in your future writing or speaking?

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