Lesson 2 - Emotional Movement Creation
Māori Haka Expression
•Year 8
•Dance
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How can percussion and group leadership enhance the emotional expression and unity of traditional Maori dance?
Learning Objectives
- To create movement and perform with emotion using traditional Haka techniques
- To work as part of a group, moving and chanting in unison with rhythmic precision
- To demonstrate leadership skills by guiding group performance with percussion instruments
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform a coordinated 4-move sequence with emotional expression
- Students will lead their group using percussion to maintain timing and unity
- Students will combine individual creativity with traditional Haka elements
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around room perimeter, easily accessible to groups
Alternative: Tambourines, hand drums, or wooden blocks if drums unavailable
Positioned centrally for clear sound throughout space
Alternative: Bluetooth speaker or tablet with good volume
Mark group performance spaces and warm-up relay lines
Alternative: Spot markers or tape lines on floor
Key Vocabulary
Musical instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped
The ability to guide and direct others towards a common goal
A regular pattern of beats in music or movement
Performing together at exactly the same time
Showing emotion and meaning through face, voice, and body language
Traditional Maori ceremonial dance involving chanting, dancing, and facial expressions
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- 4 basic Haka movements from Lesson 1: chest bang, foot stamp, jumping, spear throw
- Understanding of the traditional phrase 'Ka mate, Ka mate, Ka Ore, Ka Ore'
- Basic group work and following simple rhythms
Current Skills
- Creating emotional expression through movement and voice
- Leadership skills using percussion instruments
- Combining individual creativity with group unity
- Advanced timing and rhythmic coordination
Next Steps
- Creating full Haka performances with storytelling elements
- Understanding cultural significance and respectful performance
- Advanced percussion techniques and complex rhythmic patterns
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Cultural respect must be maintained throughout - Haka is a sacred tradition
- Percussion is the heartbeat of the tribe - steady, strong, and unifying
- Leadership means supporting others, not just being in control
- Emotional expression comes from commitment, not volume
- Unity in performance shows strength - individual stars don't make a tribe
- Every student can contribute something valuable to the group
- Practice builds confidence - mistakes are part of learning
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Haka is just about being loud and aggressive' - Correction: Haka expresses many emotions including respect, protection, and honour
- Misconception: 'Only the loudest person should lead with percussion' - Correction: Leadership is about clarity and support, not volume
- Misconception: 'Faster is better' - Correction: Control and unity are more important than speed
- Misconception: 'Boys are naturally better at Haka' - Correction: All students can express warrior spirit regardless of gender
- Misconception: 'Making mistakes ruins the performance' - Correction: Supporting each other through challenges makes the tribe stronger
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular movement breaks, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual aids for sequence memory
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available for overwhelm
visual impairment
- Use tactile cues for rhythm, clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual rhythm cues, written instructions available, vibration from drums for beat awareness
physical disability
- Adapted movements for seated performance, modified percussion techniques, alternative leadership roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development, oral communication, and creative expression through chanting
Drama
Character development, emotional expression, and performance skills
Geography
Exploring New Zealand, Maori homeland, and cultural geography
History
Learning about Maori culture, traditions, and the historical significance of Haka
Music
Understanding rhythm, beat, and percussion instruments in cultural context
PSHE
Teamwork, leadership, cultural respect, and building confidence through performance
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between groups during practice, position centrally during whole class sections
Observation Focus
Watch for cultural respect, group cooperation, and individual confidence development
Intervention Points
Step in when groups struggle with timing, cultural appropriateness, or inclusion issues
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with full commitment and cultural respect, emphasise connection between traditional and contemporary elements
Verbal Cues
- •'Show me your warrior spirit!'
- •'Listen to your tribe's heartbeat in the drum!'
- •'Respect the tradition, express your creativity!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 12m clear space for group work and movement activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface suitable for jumping and dynamic movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Percussion instruments checked for secure construction
- •Drums positioned stably to prevent rolling
- •Music system volume appropriate for space size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during energetic movement
- •Repetitive strain from percussion work
- •Overstretching during jumping movements
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear group boundaries established and maintained
- •Rotation system for percussion to prevent repetitive strain
- •Proper warm-up and controlled movement progression
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during practice
- •Monitor percussion work for proper technique
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safely positioned