Unit 11: Te Reo Māori Foundations

This unit introduces tauira to everyday reo Māori through speaking, listening, and tikanga-rich routines. It builds confidence in pronunciation, greetings, pepeha, and common classroom kōrero while connecting language to identity.

• Lesson 1: He Timatanga - pronunciation, greetings, and classroom reo.
• Lesson 2: Ko Wai Au? - pepeha building and identity kōrero.
• Lesson 3: Tikanga in Kōrerorero - manaakitanga, mihi, and respectful speaking.
• Lesson 4: Whānau Connections - relationships, possessives, and asking questions.
• Lesson 5: Kōrerorero o Ia Rā - everyday conversations and reflection.

Authentic Assessment: Students create a short kōrero portfolio that includes a recorded pepeha, a greeting dialogue, and a reflection on their reo journey.

• Formative: Pronunciation check-ins, peer feedback, and kupu wall updates.
• Summative: 2-3 minute conversation or presentation with cues.
• Success Indicators: clear pronunciation, appropriate tikanga, and confidence in basic kōrero.

This unit is inspired by public reo Māori resources and teaching approaches that make language learning welcoming and practical. In particular, it draws on the accessible kōrero style associated with Stacey Morrison and the kaupapa-driven tikanga guidance shared by Te Kākako.

Teachers are encouraged to connect with local iwi, hapū, and kaumātua to ensure local dialects and protocols are respected.