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Rongoā Māori Introduction Worksheet

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Rongoā Māori Introduction Worksheet

Rongoā Māori Introduction Worksheet

Traditional Māori healing plants illustration

🌿 Part 1: Reading - What is Rongoā Māori?

Read the passage below about Rongoā Māori:

Rongoā Māori is traditional Māori medicine. For hundreds of years, Māori have used plants from Aotearoa New Zealand to heal people and keep them healthy.

Rongoā is more than just medicine. It connects Māori to their ancestors, the land, and their spiritual beliefs. The knowledge of which plants to use and how to prepare them has been passed down through whānau (families) for many generations.

Some important rongoā plants include:

Kawakawa - used for cuts, bruises, and stomach problems

Harakeke (flax) - used for wounds and burns

Mānuka - used for colds and skin problems

Today, many people are learning about rongoā Māori again. Scientists are also studying these plants to understand how they work.

📊 Part 2: KWL Chart - Your Learning Journey

Fill in what you Know, Want to know, and will record what you have Learned at the end of the unit.

What I KNOW about Rongoā Māori and healing plants:
What I WANT TO KNOW about Rongoā Māori and healing plants:
What I have LEARNED about Rongoā Māori and healing plants (complete at end of unit):

🔗 Part 3: Vocabulary Matching

Match the Māori terms with their meanings by drawing lines between them:
1. Rongoā Māori
2. Harakeke
3. Kawakawa
4. Mānuka
5. Kaitiakitanga
6. Whānau
A. Traditional Māori medicine
B. New Zealand flax plant
C. Plant with heart-shaped leaves
D. Tea tree plant
E. Guardianship of nature
F. Family

💭 Part 4: Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think Rongoā Māori is important to Māori culture? Give at least two reasons.
2. How is Rongoā Māori different from modern medicine that you might get from a pharmacy?
3. What does kaitiakitanga mean and how does it connect to using healing plants?

🎯 Part 5: My Learning Goals

Write 3 learning goals for this "Healing Plants Uncovered" unit. What do you want to achieve or learn about?

Goal 1:

Goal 2:

Goal 3:

Which healing plant are you most interested in learning about and why?

🗣️ Part 6: Sharing and Discussion

Tick the boxes for activities you would like to participate in:

Share my learning goals with the class

Tell the class about any healing plants my whānau uses

Ask questions about Rongoā Māori during class discussion

Work with a partner to research a healing plant

Draw or create something about healing plants

One question I want to ask the class about Rongoā Māori:

Note: If writing is difficult, you can share your answers orally with your teacher or a classmate.

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