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Lesson 4 - Team Spirit in Haka

Māori Haka Expression

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Year 8

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Dance

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1h 4min

Big Question

How can we demonstrate team spirit through powerful, coordinated movement that tells a story?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate team spirit through coordinated Haka performance
Create and perform travelling movements using different directions
Apply previously learned Haka techniques in group formations

Key Outcomes

Students will perform a complete Haka sequence with team coordination
Students will create travelling movements incorporating directional changes
Students will demonstrate cultural respect and understanding through performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Rhythm Instruments

1 per group (8 instruments for 32 students)

Store safely at side of room, distribute when needed for group work

Alternative: Wooden blocks, hand drums, or body percussion if instruments unavailable

Tunnel Systems

1 with wireless microphone capability

Position for clear sound coverage, test volume levels before lesson

Alternative: Bluetooth speaker with phone/tablet connection

Cones

12-16 for formation boundaries

Mark corners and centre points of performance area

Alternative: Spots, bibs, or natural room boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Team spirit

Working together with enthusiasm, support, and shared commitment to achieve a common goal

Direction

The path or way of movement including forward, backward, left, right, diagonal, and circular patterns

Formation

An arranged pattern or shape made by a group, such as circles, lines, or geometric shapes

Travelling

Moving from one place to another while maintaining the dance or movement pattern

Unison

Performing movements at exactly the same time and with the same energy and precision

Battle

A respectful competitive performance between groups to showcase skill and team spirit

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic Haka movements and stance from previous lessons
Understanding of 'Ka mate' and 'Tengate Tangate' phrases
Experience working in groups of 4 with percussion instruments

Current Skills

Directional movement and spatial awareness
Creating travelling dance sequences
Team coordination and leadership
Formation work and tactical positioning

Next Steps

Performance evaluation and refinement
Cultural context and historical significance
Advanced choreography and storytelling through movement

Milestone Indicators

Maintains unison while travelling in different directions

Demonstrates clear leadership or followership within group

Shows cultural respect and understanding in performance quality

Key Teaching Points

Cultural respect and authenticity must be maintained throughout all Haka activities
Unison requires listening, watching, and feeling the group rhythm together
Travelling movements demand clear communication and shared understanding of directions
Team spirit is demonstrated through encouragement, patience, and collective effort
Formation work develops spatial awareness and quick decision-making skills
Performance quality combines technical skill with emotional expression and cultural understanding
Assessment should celebrate progress in coordination, cooperation, and cultural appreciation

Common Misconceptions

Thinking Haka is just about aggressive or intimidating movements - correct by emphasising cultural meaning and respect
Believing that louder or more energetic automatically means better - focus on control and cultural authenticity
Assuming that perfect unison happens immediately - explain the skill and practice required for coordination
Thinking formation games are about speed only - emphasise teamwork and clear communication over rushing
Believing that cultural dances can be changed without consideration - teach appropriate respect and representation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent movement breaks built into lesson structure, clear boundaries and expectations, use of percussion for focus

dyspraxia

Slower pace for learning movement sequences, additional practice time, use of visual and verbal cues together

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine for lesson progression, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed for breaks

visual impairment

Use clear verbal descriptions of formations, provide physical guidance for directional movements, use bright visual markers for spatial boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all movements, use vibrations from percussion instruments, clear visual signals for timing and transitions

physical disability

Seated versions of movements focusing on arm actions, modified percussion roles, adapted formation positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting in sequences of 4, pattern recognition in formations, timing and rhythm calculations

Art

Cultural expression through movement, visual patterns in formations, creative interpretation of emotions

Geography

New Zealand location and culture, mapping directional movement, spatial relationships and patterns

History

Cultural significance of Haka in Māori tradition, historical context of ceremonial dances, indigenous cultures worldwide

Music

Rhythm and beat in percussion work, vocal chanting and group dynamics, cultural music traditions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, cultural respect and understanding, leadership and communication skills, resilience and perseverance

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice phases, central position for whole-group instruction, ensure visibility of all students during performances

Observation Focus

Watch for group coordination, cultural respect, individual participation levels, and safety during travelling movements

Intervention Points

Step in if groups struggling with coordination, provide support for cultural understanding, assist with formation organisation

Demonstration Notes

Model all movements with cultural authenticity and respect, show clear directional changes, demonstrate group coordination techniques

Verbal Cues

•'Strong and together!'
•'Feel the rhythm in your body!'
•'Honour the culture through your movement!'
•'Communication is key to unison!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space for group movements and formations, adequate ceiling height for jumping movements

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface essential for stamping and jumping movements, clear of obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check percussion instruments for damage before distribution
•Ensure music system volume at appropriate level
•Secure loose items around room perimeter

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during travelling movements and free dance
•Falls during jumping and stamping sequences
•Hearing damage from loud percussion or music
•Cultural insensitivity or appropriation

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all movement activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups during practice
•Progressive building from individual to group movements
•Continuous cultural respect and appropriate representation

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during dispersed practice
•Monitor energy levels during high-intensity sequences
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration during coordination challenges

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any safety concerns, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure cultural sensitivity in all responses