Rotarota, haka, mōteatea
Teachers' notes for 'Kauhoe' a poem by Asaeli Afemui, 'Tiakina te wai' a haka by Peti Nohotima and Frances Goulton, and 'Tōku āhuru mōwai' a mōteatea by Frances Goulton, from He Kohikohinga 36.
Included in He Kohikohinga 36 are three types of poetic forms of writing. Introducing students to a range of poetic genre is particularly useful for the reluctant reader and writer. Special features are conciseness of words, emphasis on words, phrases and ideas, repetition of thought for impact, but more importantly the freedom of the writer to express their ideas. These three styles of writing include verse writing which may help students prepare for writing in paragraphs. Each of these three may be used to initiate further discussion, and, or help them understand the meaning and messages portrayed in the words.
Write away:
Ask students to write their own poetry. For starters they could use the same titles as the authors. Ensure your students read and write everyday!
Other suggested activities
The rotarota may be chanted by the class before the commencement of their swimming lessons. The class may either chant or make up their own tune. The words used are important both for supporting correct use of language and preparing students for the lesson itself.
This haka can be performed by the class. Its main focus is on caring and protecting our waterways and water.
This form of poetry attempts to capture the essence of the feeling for a place that offers a safe haven for the author. should be encouraged to express in a number of ways how different places may have similar or indeed different effects on them. This style of writing offers a simplistic format for creative expression. Do encourage students to work with simple ideas.
Kia maumahara tātou:
He iti te kupu, engari he nui te kōrero.
