Lesson 4 - Directional Team Haka
Cultural Expression Through Haka Performance
•Year 7
•Dance
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How can we use directional movement to create powerful group performances that demonstrate unity and team spirit?
Learning Objectives
- To demonstrate team spirit through collaborative Haka performance
- To create directional movement sequences using previously learnt techniques
- To perform complex Haka sequences incorporating travel and formation changes
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform coordinated directional movements in unison with their group
- Students will demonstrate improved team cooperation and communication skills
- Students will create and perform a complete Haka sequence incorporating all elements learnt
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around room perimeter for easy access during group work
Alternative: Clapping sticks, tambourines, or body percussion
Position centrally for clear sound coverage, test volume levels
Alternative: Portable speaker with smartphone/tablet connection
Cued and ready to play/stop quickly for formation game
Alternative: Any upbeat, recognisable song for formation game
Available for marking boundaries and formation reference points
Alternative: Chalk lines or tape markers
Key Vocabulary
Working together with enthusiasm, support and unity towards a common goal
Travelling forwards, backwards, left or right while maintaining formation and rhythm
All group members performing exactly the same movement at exactly the same time
The shape or pattern that a group creates when positioned together
A performance challenge between two groups showcasing their best Haka skills
Using facial expressions and body language to convey emotion and meaning
Instruments that create rhythm by being struck, used to accompany Haka movements
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic Haka movements and stances from previous lessons
- Understanding of rhythm and counting in fours
- Basic group work and cooperation skills
- Tengate Tangate sequence from previous weeks
Current Skills
- Directional movement coordination
- Advanced group synchronisation
- Performance under pressure (battles)
- Complex sequence integration
Next Steps
- Competitive Haka performances with scoring
- Cultural context and historical significance
- Creating original Haka compositions
- Cross-curricular links with Maori culture study
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cultural respect and authenticity must be maintained throughout all Haka activities
- Unison is achieved through practice, patience and group cooperation, not just natural ability
- Directional movement requires safety awareness, especially during backward travel
- Team spirit is demonstrated through encouragement, inclusion and positive communication
- Expression and projection are essential elements that make Haka performances powerful
- Formation challenges develop quick communication and cooperative problem-solving skills
- Self-assessment builds learning awareness and growth mindset for future development
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Louder is always better in Haka - Correction: Clarity and unison are more important than volume
- Misconception: Only certain students can lead in group work - Correction: Everyone has different strengths to contribute
- Misconception: Haka is just about being aggressive - Correction: It's about strength, unity, respect and cultural expression
- Misconception: Mistakes mean failure - Correction: Mistakes are learning opportunities that help everyone improve
- Misconception: Complex movements are always better - Correction: Simple movements performed well together are more effective
- Misconception: Directional movement is easy - Correction: Coordinating direction with group unison requires significant skill
- Misconception: Competition means being mean to opponents - Correction: Respectful competition celebrates everyone's efforts
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Provide regular movement breaks, clear short instructions, positive reinforcement for focus, allow leadership roles for engagement
dyspraxia
- Break down complex movements into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, use visual and verbal cues together, celebrate effort over perfection
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule for lesson sequence, allow processing time
visual impairment
- Use clear verbal cues for all directional changes, provide tactile guidance for formation shapes, ensure consistent positioning for spatial reference
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for music start/stop, provide written formation cards, demonstrate all movements with exaggerated visual clarity
physical disability
- Adapt movements to seated or modified versions, focus on upper body expression, provide alternative percussion instruments
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting in fours, timing sequences, geometric formation shapes, spatial relationships
Drama
Expression, performance skills, audience awareness, and character development through cultural performance
Geography
Directional vocabulary and spatial awareness, understanding of New Zealand and Maori culture location and context
History
Maori cultural traditions and historical significance of Haka in New Zealand society
Music
Rhythm, percussion, chanting techniques, and cultural music traditions
PSHE
Teamwork, cultural respect, self-confidence, positive competition, and celebrating diversity
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position centrally during demonstrations, move to perimeter during group work for maximum visibility, stand near music controls during formation games
Observation Focus
Watch for unison quality, safe travelling movement, positive group dynamics, cultural respect, and individual engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if groups struggling with coordination, any unsafe movement, negative competitive behaviour, or cultural insensitivity
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate all movements with exaggerated clarity, emphasise cultural respect throughout, show both individual technique and group coordination, model positive competitive behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong warrior posture!'
- •'Stay together as one tribe!'
- •'Respect your opponents!'
- •'Travel safely, small steps backwards!'
- •'Project your voices with pride!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m hall space, clear of obstacles with non-slip surface
Surface Check
Dry, even floor suitable for energetic movement, jumping and directional changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check drums are secure and won't slip during energetic movement
- •Ensure music system volume is appropriate and won't damage hearing
- •Verify all electrical equipment is safely positioned away from movement areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during travelling movements and formation changes
- •Trips and falls during backward movement
- •Overexertion during energetic Haka performances
- •Minor impacts from drums during group work
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all travelling movement
- •Adequate spacing maintained between groups at all times
- •Backward movement practiced slowly with safety emphasis
- •Regular hydration breaks and energy monitoring
- •Proper drum handling technique demonstrated
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility during travelling movements
- •Monitor high-energy areas during battles and formation games
- •Circulate during group work to check technique and safety
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or distress
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed