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🎤 Show and Tell Activities

Whakaatu me te Kōrero — Sharing taonga and stories through oral presentation

More Than "Show and Tell"

Traditional "show and tell" becomes transformative when grounded in tikanga and connected to identity. Rather than simply displaying objects, we invite students to share taonga — treasured items that carry meaning, memory, and connection to whānau, culture, and self.

🌿 What is Taonga?

Taonga means treasured possessions — but it goes far beyond material value. Taonga can include:

  • Physical items: Photos, heirlooms, gifts from loved ones, handmade objects
  • Intangible treasures: Stories, songs, recipes, skills passed down
  • Natural elements: Shells, feathers, stones from significant places
  • Representations: Art, writing, or symbols of something meaningful

Tikanga for Sharing

🙏 Before We Share

Establish a safe and respectful environment with these class agreements:

  • Whakarongo — Listen actively. Eyes on the speaker, phones away, bodies still.
  • Manaaki — Show care. Appreciate what is shared; no teasing or dismissing.
  • Tapu — Respect boundaries. Some taonga may be viewed but not touched. Always ask.
  • Tika — Be truthful. Share authentic stories, not exaggerations.
  • Aroha — Respond with kindness. Ask curious questions, offer genuine compliments.

👋 Opening & Closing Rituals

Frame each session with intention:

  • Opening: Begin with a karakia, waiata, or moment of stillness to signal we are entering a space of sharing.
  • Speaker introduction: Encourage students to begin with their pepeha or a simple mihi (greeting).
  • Audience response: After each presentation, the audience responds with "Tēnā koe" or applause.
  • Closing: End the session with acknowledgment: "Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa — thank you all for your sharing."

Themed Show and Tell Ideas

Use themes to spark ideas and create connections between students' sharing:

👨‍👩‍👧 Whānau Taonga

Something from or about your family

🏔️ Tūrangawaewae

Something representing where you belong

📖 Pūrākau & Stories

A book, movie, or story that shaped you

🌱 Te Taiao

Something from nature that's meaningful

🎨 My Creations

Art, writing, or something you made

🏆 Achievements

Certificates, trophies, proud moments

🍲 Kai & Culture

Food traditions and family recipes

🔮 Future Dreams

Something representing your aspirations

Speaking Frames

Scaffolded structures to support student presentations:

🌱 Years 1-4: Simple Structure

Tēnā koutou. (Hello everyone.)

Ko _____ tōku ingoa. (My name is _____)

This is my _____.

It is special because _____.

I got it from / I made it when _____.

It makes me feel _____.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Time: 1-2 minutes

🌿 Years 5-8: Expanded Structure

Mihi: Begin with your pepeha or greeting.

Introduction: "Today I'm sharing _____ which is a taonga to me."

Description: Describe what it is — appearance, age, origin.

Story: Tell the story of how you got it or what it represents.

Connection: Explain why it matters to you and what it says about who you are.

Closing: "Thank you for listening. Are there any questions?"

Time: 2-4 minutes + questions

🌳 Years 9-13: In-Depth Presentation

Formal mihi: Full pepeha or appropriate cultural greeting.

Hook: Begin with an engaging opening — a question, quote, or striking statement.

Context: Provide historical, cultural, or personal background.

Significance: Analyse what this taonga represents about identity, culture, values, or aspirations.

Connections: Link to broader themes — whānau, whakapapa, society, your journey.

Reflection: What has preparing this presentation taught you?

Conclusion: End with a memorable closing and invite dialogue.

Time: 4-6 minutes + discussion

Preparation Activities

📝 Activity 1: Taonga Selection Reflection

Before presentation day, students complete this reflection:

  1. List 3 possible items you could share.
  2. For each item, write one sentence about why it's meaningful.
  3. Choose the item with the richest story to tell.
  4. Draw or photograph your taonga.
  5. Write 3 things you want the audience to know about it.

🪞 Activity 2: Mirror Practice

Students practice their presentation skills:

  1. Practice your presentation in front of a mirror.
  2. Focus on: eye contact, voice volume, holding your taonga so others can see.
  3. Time yourself. Are you within the time limit?
  4. Practice with a whānau member and ask for feedback.

👥 Activity 3: Partner Rehearsal

Pair students for peer practice:

  1. Partner A presents while Partner B listens.
  2. Partner B gives feedback using the "Two Stars and a Wish" format:
    • ⭐ One thing you did well...
    • ⭐ Another thing you did well...
    • 💫 One thing to improve...
  3. Switch roles and repeat.

Active Audience Activities

🎯 Listening Bingo

Create bingo cards with boxes like:

  • Speaker used te reo Māori
  • Mentioned whānau
  • Taonga is handmade
  • Story made me smile
  • Learned something new
  • Taonga is older than me
  • Connected to nature
  • Speaker showed confidence

❓ Question Stems

Provide question starters to support thoughtful audience questions:

  • "Can you tell us more about...?"
  • "How did you feel when...?"
  • "What would happen if you lost this taonga?"
  • "Does this connect to any other parts of your life?"
  • "What do you hope to do with this in the future?"

🌟 Peer Appreciation Cards

After presentations, audience members write quick appreciation notes:

To: _______________

I appreciated: _______________

I learned: _______________

Your presentation made me feel: _______________

Alternative Presentation Formats

Not all students are comfortable with traditional stand-up presentations. Consider these alternatives:

🎥 Video Presentation

Students record a video at home showing their taonga. Benefits:

  • Can re-record until satisfied
  • Shows taonga in its natural context
  • Can include whānau members who gave the taonga

📸 Photo Essay

Create a visual presentation with 4-6 images and captions:

  • Photo of the taonga
  • Photo of where it's kept/displayed
  • Photo representing who gave it or where it came from
  • Written reflection on its significance

🗣️ Small Group Share

Instead of presenting to the whole class, students share in groups of 3-4. This reduces anxiety while maintaining the oral language focus.

📻 Podcast Style

Students record an audio presentation as if hosting a podcast episode about their taonga. This removes the visual pressure while developing speaking skills.

Assessment Rubric

Criteria Beginning (1-2) Developing (3-4) Achieved (5-6) Excelling (7-8)
Content & Story Limited information about taonga Basic description with some personal connection Clear story and explanation of significance Rich, engaging narrative with deep personal insight
Structure No clear beginning/middle/end Some structure present Clear structure with opening and closing Well-crafted structure with engaging transitions
Delivery Difficult to hear; minimal eye contact Audible voice; some eye contact Clear voice; regular eye contact; appropriate pace Confident, expressive delivery that engages audience
Te Reo & Tikanga No te reo or tikanga incorporated Attempts mihi or basic kupu Includes pepeha/mihi; uses some kupu Māori Confident use of te reo; demonstrates tikanga throughout
Audience Engagement Reads from notes; no interaction Some eye contact; answers questions briefly Connects with audience; handles questions well Captivates audience; facilitates meaningful dialogue

📋 Teacher Notes

⚠️ Important Considerations

  • Privacy: Some students may not have items to bring from home or may have difficult home situations. Always offer the option to share something from school, draw a picture, or present about an intangible taonga (a skill, memory, or aspiration).
  • Cultural sensitivity: Some taonga may be tapu (sacred) and not appropriate for school display. Respect student and whānau decisions about what can be shared.
  • Anxiety support: For anxious students, offer alternatives like partner presentations, recorded videos, or presenting to a smaller group first.
  • Equity: Avoid themes that require expensive items or specific cultural backgrounds. Focus on meaning over material value.

Scheduling Tips

  • Schedule 3-5 presentations per session to maintain energy.
  • Spread presentations across multiple days/weeks.
  • Consider having a "Show and Tell Friday" routine.
  • Allow students to choose their presentation day when possible.

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area Connection
English Speaking & Presenting: ideas, structure, language features, delivery
Social Studies Identity, culture, belonging; understanding perspectives
Te Reo Māori Pepeha, mihi, vocabulary for describing taonga
Health & PE Identity, self-expression, relationships
The Arts Visual presentation, creative expression