| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Maori Culture |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To actively engage Year 7 students in the rich and vibrant history of Māori culture, fostering an appreciation for New Zealand's indigenous people.
Begin the lesson with a captivating question:
“What do you think it means to be a part of a culture?”
Encourage students to share their thoughts in pairs, allowing approximately 2-3 minutes for discussion. Bring everyone back together and ask for some volunteers to share their ideas.
Next, display the large map of New Zealand prominently in the classroom.
“Let’s embark on a journey across Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud!”
Exploration: Invite students to point out regions on the map where different iwi (tribes) are located. Discuss briefly how diverse each iwi's customs, traditions, and histories are.
Sticky Notes: Provide each student with a sticky note and ask them to jot down one thing they know or have heard about Māori culture before this lesson.
Encourage students to share their sticky note facts with the class. Collect the sticky notes and stick them to the classroom wall marked "Māori Culture". This will serve as a visual reminder of what they know and will learn through the lesson.
Introduce traditional Māori sounds by playing a short audio clip of a Māori waiata (song) or a haka performance. Briefly discuss the significance of these performances in Māori culture, emphasizing how they convey stories, values, and history.
Wrap up the introduction by explaining that today, we will dive deeper into the fascinating aspects of Māori culture, exploring their art, stories, and history, while looking for connections to our own cultures.
“Are you ready to discover the richness of Māori traditions and how they have shaped Aotearoa? Let’s get started!”
This engaging introduction not only piques students' interest but also sets the tone for a lesson that emphasizes respect, appreciation, and understanding of Māori culture, aligning with New Zealand’s educational standards and cultural values.