Literacy & Social Sciences: Inquiry learning using the He Hononga Whetū resource

Inquiry Process (Teacher Guide) 

Step 1: Choose a whetū

• Learners select a whetū that interests them. This may be guided by class discussion, prior learning, or personal curiosity. 

Teachers may prompt learners to consider:

• What might this whetū be connected to?

• What areas of life or the environment does it relate to? 

Step 2: Investigate the Hononga

Learners explore the hononga cards associated with their chosen whetū.

This may include:

• Reading and discussing the hononga kupu

• Using images and prior knowledge to make meaning

• Making early connections between the whetū and the hononga

Teachers can support learners to:

• Record ideas through sketches, notes, or discussion

• Clarify initial thinking before moving into research  

Step 3: Develop Inquiry Questions

Learners develop inquiry questions using the Why/Where/Who/How framework

Guiding prompts might include:

• Where does this come from, or where is it found?

• How is this used, grown, gathered, or cared for?

• Why is this important to people?

• How does this hononga connect to the whetū?

Teachers may:

• Model what strong inquiry questions look like

• Support learners to refine or narrow their focus

Step 4: Make Wider Connections

Learners deepen their inquiry by making connections beyond the cards.

This may include:

• Traditional knowledge and practices

• Seasonal cycles and environmental relationships Local or contemporary examples

• whānau, hapū, iwi, or community knowledge

• Sustainability and change over time 

Step 5: Share Learning

Learners share their inquiry learning in a format of their choice, such as:

• Oral presentations

• Posters or visual displays

• Booklets or reports

• Digital slides or media

• Written or recorded kōrero

Teachers may encourage learners to clearly explain:

• What they learned

• How their whetū and hononga are connected

• Why their inquiry is important or meaningful

Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

• Ask and respond to meaningful inquiry questions

• Explain connections between a whetū, its hononga, and people or the environment

• Share their learning using spoken, written, or visual formats.

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