🎵

Lesson 4 - Directional Team Haka

Cultural Expression Through Haka Performance

•

Year 7

•

Dance

•

1h 3min

Big Question

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

Rhythm Instruments

6-8 (one per group)

Distribute around room perimeter for easy access during group work

Alternative: Clapping sticks, tambourines, or body percussion

Tunnel Systems

Position centrally for clear sound coverage, test volume levels

Alternative: Portable speaker with smartphone/tablet connection

Music Tracks

1 digital copy

Cued and ready to play/stop quickly for formation game

Alternative: Any upbeat, recognisable song for formation game

Dish Cones

20-30

Available for marking boundaries and formation reference points

Alternative: Chalk lines or tape markers

Key Vocabulary

Team spirit

Working together with enthusiasm, support and unity towards a common goal

Directional movement

Travelling forwards, backwards, left or right while maintaining formation and rhythm

Unison

All group members performing exactly the same movement at exactly the same time

Formation

The shape or pattern that a group creates when positioned together

Haka battle

A performance challenge between two groups showcasing their best Haka skills

Expression

Using facial expressions and body language to convey emotion and meaning

Percussion

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

Groups can change direction while maintaining unison

Students demonstrate improved confidence in performance

Clear evidence of team cooperation and mutual support

Integration of all four sequence elements in final performance

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