Class Haka: Maori Movements and Our Own Chant
After learning where the Maori haka comes from and what it means, students practice its basic movements (stomps, slaps on thighs and chest, trembling hands) and create a class haka with lines about shared values. Students work on expression, unison and cultural respect.
How to play
- In a circle, explain that the haka is a ceremonial Maori dance from New Zealand that expresses identity, welcome or challenge, and is never used to mock anyone (3 min).
- Teach the base stance (wide feet, knees bent) and three movements: alternating stomps, slaps on thighs and chest, and trembling hands with arms extended (5 min).
- Practice as one block: you set a slow 4-count beat and the class links the movements with strong, steady voices (4 min).
- In groups of 5-6, students write 4 short lines about class values (effort, unity, respect) and give each line its own movement (7 min).
- Put all the lines together into one class haka and rehearse as a block with a leader who gives the opening call (4 min).
- Final performance in two rows with the whole class, followed by a quick check-in on how it felt (2 min).
Rules
- Respect the cultural meaning: no exaggerated imitations or joking around.
- Slaps on the body are firm but never painful.
- Keep two arms' length from the students on either side.
Variations
Easier
Use only the base stance, stomp and thigh slap with two-word lines.
Standard
Combine the three basic movements with a class text of 4 to 8 lines.
Harder
Add level changes, a canon between rows and an entrance in a wedge formation.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student performs seated with thigh and chest slaps and can be the leader who gives the call.
- Hearing impairment: the leader keeps the beat with a raised arm and the lines are written in large print.
- Shyness: the student can stand in the second row and start with movements only, adding voice when ready.
Learning goals
- Learn the origin and meaning of a dance from another culture.
- Perform energetic movements in unison together with the voice.
- Create a group text that expresses the class's identity.
Teacher tip
Consider showing a video of a New Zealand school haka first so students see the real context. Avoid copying the words of traditional hakas: creating your own is more respectful and more motivating.
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