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what is it?
Hī Hā Dance Fitness is a revolutionary new educational website based/digital programme designed for kids. We use dance as a springboard to explore core subjects such as reading, writing, drama, art and physical education, all while embracing Te Reo Māori. Emphasis is on culture, self-expression and creativity.
Hī Hā is fun, inclusive, and easy for everyone to follow!
embrace the meaning
Hī - pronounced he - as in 'whakahī', to be proud
Hā - pronounced haa - breath, essence
HOW IT WORKS
A Hī Hā subscription gives you access to a new programme of dance videos and educational resources twice a year. Each programme has a theme and is divided into units for easy classroom use:
Dance it! Kanikani!:Lleuarne Panoho and guests lead a selection of culturally inspired dance and movement videos. Don’t worry, they’re super-easy to follow! Includes an interactive ‘story dance’ exclusive to Hī Hā.
Think it! Whakaarohia!: Dive more deeply into the theme! From personal responses and mini research projects to Māori vocab games, there’s something here for everyone! Includes a glossary of Māori words complete with pronunciation guide.
Move it! Nekehia!: Fun games, creative challenges and short theatre pieces designed to get kids up, and get them moving! It feels so much like playing, they won't even notice they're learning!
Make it! Hangaia!: A hands-on creative unit with a practical focus, e.g. how to make a poi.
Write it! Tuhia!: Write to the theme! These hilariously inventive creative writing exercises from the pen of children's author Sally Sutton will fire up imaginations and get ideas flowing!
Draw it! Tāngia!: Inspiration from leading NZ artists and illustrators will unleash your students’ inner artist!
Act it! Whakaarihia!: The script for an entire school production using the dances, themes and even costumes from each Hī Hā programme. How easy is that?! Productions alternate between shows best suited to junior and senior school.
Link it! Tūhonotia!: Written by teachers for teachers, this section makes lesson plans easy by linking the content in each Hī Hā programme to the NZ curriculum. You'll also find links to other educational resources
on literacy, maths, science and technology related to each programme's theme.
Each unit is designed to include material for a range of abilities, from New Entrant to Year 6. Tasks are given a ‘honey comb rating' based on independent completion; the more honey combs, the sweeter and more challenging the task! Note that most are suitable for all levels with teacher assistance or orally.
