Tī Rākau: Māori Stick Rhythms

Inspired by tī rākau, the rhythmic stick game of the Māori people of New Zealand, we sit and do calm sequences with two newspaper sticks: tap the floor, tap the sticks together and tap a partner's sticks. Children practice using both hands together, keeping a rhythm and settling down.

How to play

1. The teacher explains that the Māori, the Indigenous people of New Zealand, play tī rākau by passing sticks to the rhythm of songs. Each child sits with two newspaper sticks (1 min).
2. Learn two sounds: tap both sticks on the floor and tap the sticks together. Do them to the teacher's count (1 min).
3. Do a slow sequence: floor, tap, floor, tap, getting softer each time (2 min).
4. In pairs facing each other: floor, tap your own sticks, gently tap your partner's sticks (2 min).
5. Finish by putting the sticks down and doing the rhythm with hands on knees, slower and slower until we're still (1 min).

Rules

• Sticks touch the floor or other sticks, never people.
• Gentle taps, not too loud.
• Wait for the teacher's count to start.
• When we're done, the sticks rest on the floor.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: do the sequence on a table or on the wheelchair armrest.
• Hearing impairment: feel the rhythm with palms on the floor and watch the count on fingers.
• Autism: let the child choose very soft taps or silent motions, and give a heads-up before tapping with a partner.

Learning goals

• Coordinate both hands to a rhythm.
• Gradually lower the energy level.
• Learn about a rhythm game of the Māori people of New Zealand.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Rolled-up newspaper sticks: 50

Teacher tip

Make the sticks by rolling newspaper sheets very tightly and wrapping them in tape; they're light and won't hurt anyone. Present tī rākau as part of living Māori culture that is still taught in New Zealand schools today.

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