π Teacher Planning Guide
Aratohu Mahere Pouako
Unit: Kaitiakitanga - Caring for Our Place
Year Levels: Years 0-3 | Duration: 5 lessons (about 4-5 hours)
Before You Start
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: Honour all cultural backgrounds - kaitiakitanga applies to everyone
- WhΔnau 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?
Hononga Marautanga Β· Curriculum Alignment
Curriculum alignment for this handout has not yet been verified against the live curriculum statements. A generated placeholder that stood here was removed on 2026-08-29 because it matched no real statement.