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Background - Children of Polynesia, like children everywhere, enjoy myths, legends and folktales about their own countries. Word of mouth has passed on most myths from older members of a society to the children. The stories may have changed over time but oral story telling is still very common in Polynesia today.
"Myth was the creative art of the Pacific people. It was so powerful and meaningful, and so in tune with every part of their natural environment, that it profoundly affected every stage of their life"
Story Sequence activity. Organise the students into groups of four. Each group receives an envelope containing the pieces of a myth, a sheet of paper and marker pens.
Once the students have ordered the story they must discuss the myth to ensure that:
- The main points of the myth are understood.
- Conclusions are drawn regarding the theme/message of the myth.
- An explanation is given about why it could be important to pass on this particular myth from generation to generation.
The students then make a brief summary on a sheet of paper of the main points of the story and the message it conveys. This summary could combine text and images.
The summary is then conveyed orally to the whole class.
A class summary will be drawn suggesting reasons why myths and legends in
Polynesia are relevant to establishing and maintaining culture and
traditions.
Refer to:
- Samu et al (1996, 30-31). Tagata Tangata: Our People our lands.
- Encyclopedia
of Polynesian Mythology
- Samoan creation legend
- School Journals (Learning Media)
This material has been produced by UNITEC Institute of Technology
under contract to the Ministry of Education.
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