aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Reading
What age group	Year or Grade 1
What topic	Maori
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Exploring Māori Stories

Warm-up Activity: A Journey to Aotearoa

Objective

To engage students’ interest and introduce them to Māori culture and stories through an exciting discussion and visual storytelling.

Materials Needed

• A large map of New Zealand (Aotearoa)
• Pictures of key Māori symbols (like the koru, whare, and manaia)
• A short, animated clip about Māori myths (consider a clip from a reputable educational source)
• A selection of Māori storybooks suitable for Year 1 readers

Lesson Steps

1. Map Exploration (5 minutes)
   Begin by gathering the students around a large map of New Zealand. Ask them if they know where New Zealand is and if they have ever seen a map of it before. Point to different regions, highlighting where Māori communities are found. Encourage them to share if they have any experiences related to New Zealand.

   • Prompt: "Who here has heard of Aotearoa? What do you know about it?"

2. Māori Symbols Discussion (5 minutes)
   Next, show the students pictures of key Māori symbols. Explain what these symbols mean in Māori culture. For example:

   • The Koru: represents new life, growth, and peace.

   • The Whare: symbolizes home and community.

   • The Manaia: is a guardian that protects people and their wellbeing.

   • Activity: Ask the children to think about what home means to them. What symbols represent their own families?

3. Animated Story Time (10 minutes)
   Play the short animated clip about a Māori myth or legend. Choose a culturally significant story that highlights values such as friendship, bravery, or respect for nature.

   • Discussion: After the clip, engage the children by asking:
     • "What was your favourite part of the story?"
     • "What do you think the characters learned?"

4. Introduction to Reading Time (5 minutes)
   Introduce the selection of Māori storybooks available. Show them the front covers and briefly describe each book. Explain that they will have the opportunity to choose a book to read during their reading time.

   • Prompt: "Let’s choose a book together! Which one would you like to explore further?"

Conclusion

Wrap up the introduction by inviting students to share what they are most excited to learn about Māori culture and stories. Emphasize that reading these stories can help us understand different perspectives and enrich our knowledge of the world around us.

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By beginning the lesson with engaging visuals, interactive discussions, and a dynamic story, students are likely to feel excited and curious about reading Māori stories!