Māui and the Birds: Reading Comprehension

Name:

Date:

Mission Briefing: Join Māui’s Bird Rescue Team!

You are now a member of Māui’s Bird Rescue Team. Read or listen to the class retelling of Māui and the Birds. Complete each mission to help solve the mystery and reveal a secret message.

Word bank: pūrākau conflict selfish fair respect solution

Mission 1: Map the Story

Write the five most important events from the pūrākau. Number them from 1 to 5.

Event A Number: ______

Event B Number: ______

Event C Number: ______

Event D Number: ______

Event E Number: ______

Mission 2: Crack the Secret Code

Read each challenge carefully. Circle the best answer. Write the code letter from the correct answer in the secret-code strip.

1. What is this pūrākau mostly about?

○ B Māui helps the birds solve a problem.

○ T Māui teaches the birds to fly.

○ R The birds search for a hidden island.

Code letter: ______

2. What caused the problem or conflict?

○ E Some birds were not sharing fairly.

○ A Māui lost his way.

○ S The birds wanted to build a nest.

Code letter: ______

3. What did Māui do to change the situation?

○ K He listened and helped make a fair plan.

○ M He ignored the birds.

○ P He made the conflict worse.

Code letter: ______

4. What can you infer about Māui from his actions?

○ I He is thoughtful and fair.

○ G He does not notice problems.

○ Y He wants the birds to argue.

Code letter: ______

5. What is one lesson from the pūrākau?

○ N Sharing and respect can help solve a conflict.

○ F The strongest person should always win.

○ Q Problems should never be discussed.

Code letter: ______

6. Choice Challenge: Choose one task.

□ Explain how you would help the birds solve a similar problem.

□ Explain what advice you would give Māui before he acted.

Use one detail from the story in your answer. Your teacher will give you the final code letter when your answer includes a clear idea and a story detail.

Secret-code strip:

______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______

Final message: __________________________________________

Mission 3: Sort the Clues

Match each clue to the best category: Conflict, Action, or Solution. Write the category beside each clue.

1. The birds were not sharing fairly. ____________________

2. Māui listened to what the birds needed. ____________________

3. The birds followed a fair plan. ____________________

4. The argument made the birds upset. ____________________

5. Māui helped the birds work together. ____________________

Mission 4: Design the Rescue Badge

Design a badge for Māui’s Bird Rescue Team. Include a bird, a symbol of teamwork, and one word from the word bank. Add colour and explain your design.

My badge shows ________________________________________________.

Answer Key

Mission 1: Answers may vary if they include the main events in the correct order. Suggested order: 1. The birds faced a problem or conflict. 2. Māui noticed what was happening. 3. Māui listened to the birds. 4. Māui helped create a fair plan. 5. The birds worked together and the conflict was solved.

Mission 2: 1. B 2. E 3. K 4. I 5. N 6. D awarded for a clear response with a relevant story detail. Secret message: BE KIND.

Mission 3: 1. Conflict 2. Action 3. Solution 4. Conflict 5. Action.

Mission 4: Answers and designs will vary. Look for a bird, a teamwork symbol, and a suitable word such as fair or respect.