📋 Teacher Planning Guide
Aratohu Mahere Pouako

Unit: Kaitiakitanga - Caring for Our Place

Year Levels: Years 3-6 | Duration: 4-5 weeks

Before You Start

☐ Read through all 5 lessons
☐ Print or prepare all resources
☐ Plan field trip/outdoor activities
☐ Send whānau letter home
☐ Gather materials (see list below)
☐ Check outdoor areas for safety
☐ Prepare Te Reo vocabulary cards

Materials Needed

Essential:

  • Observation journals (print from resources)
  • Art supplies (crayons, markers, paper)
  • Plant seeds or seedlings (native if possible)
  • Watering cans or containers
  • Small pots or garden space
  • Camera or device for photos

Optional but Recommended:

  • Magnifying glasses
  • Bug containers (for observation)
  • Bird seed for feeders
  • Recycled materials for bug hotels
  • Poster paper for displays

Weekly Planning Overview

Week 1: Our Place

Focus: Exploration and connection

Key Activities: Nature walk, place mapping, observation

Resources: Place Observation Journal, Te Reo Nature Words

Week 2: Living Things

Focus: Identifying plants and animals

Key Activities: Scavenger hunt, nature art, needs discussion

Resources: Nature Scavenger Hunt, Te Reo Nature Words

Week 3: How We Care

Focus: Understanding kaitiakitanga

Key Activities: Problem identification, solution brainstorming, promise creation

Resources: Kaitiaki Promise Poster, Caring Action Plan

Week 4: Taking Action

Focus: Implementing caring projects

Key Activities: Planting, cleaning, creating, documenting

Resources: Caring Action Plan, Plant Care Guide

Week 5: Sharing Learning

Focus: Presentation and celebration

Key Activities: Preparing presentations, sharing, reflection

Resources: All previous work, display materials

Differentiation Strategies

For Students Needing Support:

  • Use visual aids and picture cards
  • Provide sentence starters
  • Work in pairs or small groups
  • Allow multiple ways to demonstrate learning
  • Break tasks into smaller steps

For Extension Students:

  • Encourage detailed observations and writing
  • Research specific plants/animals found
  • Create detailed action plans
  • Lead group activities
  • Connect to broader environmental issues

Cultural Considerations

  • Te Reo Integration: Use Te Reo words throughout - start with greetings, build vocabulary
  • Cultural Protocols: Begin lessons with appropriate greetings. Respect for place is key.
  • Local Connections: Connect to local iwi, marae, or community groups if possible
  • Inclusivity: Honor all cultural backgrounds - kaitiakitanga applies to everyone
  • Whānau Engagement: Encourage family involvement and sharing of cultural practices

Assessment Notes

Ongoing Assessment: Observe participation, engagement, use of Te Reo, understanding of concepts

Final Assessment: Kaitiaki Action Project - students create display/presentation showing their learning journey

Key Indicators: Can students explain kaitiakitanga? Do they show care for their place? Can they identify problems and solutions?