COA 2021 Ep1 Kuaka.mov

Direct Instruction:

This lesson was tying together our lessons about the Treaty of Waitangi, the Māori kuaka myth in order to create our own Class Treaty (a set of standards/norms that are important to our class). Students brainstormed ideas with a partner before sharing them aloud with the class. We then grouped their ideas into three main principles. Students then coloured/decorated their own kuaka to be displayed in our classroom during the year as their way of signing our treaty.

Extended Plan Here

Reflection

This lesson was taught during the second week of school, and it was a great way to see student interaction when they were asked to share their thinking with a partner before reporting back to the class. I have a few students who often refuse to talk and it was amazing to see them open up during the partner sharing. I really like connecting the Māori myth to the treaty and our Manaiakalani pedagogy (Learn, Create, Share) because I felt that it provided a direct connection to student understanding.

Things to Note: Our school is in the process of changing our logo to incorporate the kuaka, which was why I choice to explore this type of bird further at this time.