Maori Sock Poi: Swinging to the Beat
Practice poi, a traditional Maori art from New Zealand in which balls on cords are swung in rhythm; here they are made from socks and tennis balls. It builds rhythm, two-arm coordination and creating a group sequence.
How to play
- Share the origin: Maori women used poi to build wrist flexibility and strength, and it is still performed in kapa haka shows. Each student drops a tennis ball into the toe of a long sock and holds the other end.
- Stand in lines with 6 feet between students. First move: swing the poi forward at the right side with a relaxed arm; 8 turns, then switch to the left side.
- Second move: swing backward on each side. Third move: taps, bouncing the ball off the other palm or the thigh on the beat of the music.
- Play music with a slow, clear beat. Practice a sequence of 4 moves of 8 counts each: forward right, forward left, backward, taps. Repeat it 4 times (about 6 minutes).
- In groups of 4, each group creates its own sequence of four 8-count blocks, adding a travel step or a whole-group turn. Give them 6 minutes to create it.
- Each group performs its sequence for the class. The audience names the most in-sync move.
Rules
- Safety: check for 6 feet of space with arms out before you start swinging.
- The poi always swings at the sides of the body, never in front of the face.
- When finished, set the poi on the floor; no throwing it.
Variations
Easier
One poi and forward swings only, with slow music.
Standard
One poi, four moves and a group sequence.
Harder
Two poi, one in each hand, swinging together in the same direction.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: swing while seated; the backward swing can be replaced with thigh taps.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: mark the beat with big gestures or a light, and place them in front.
- Autism or shyness: create the sequence with a partner instead of a group and show it only to the teacher.
Learning goals
- Keep a circular movement going in time with the music.
- Coordinate both arms while alternating movements.
- Appreciate poi as a cultural expression of the Maori people.
Equipment for a class of 25
- long socks: 25
- tennis balls: 25
- music: 1
Teacher tip
If you don't have enough socks, ask each student to bring one from home.
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