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Symbols of New Zealand

Learn simple English through familiar New Zealand symbols such as the silver fern, kiwi and koru.

A130–40 minutesNew Zealand CollectionPrintable
Teacher lesson: Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner. Work through the nine panels in order, or choose the sections that suit your class. Teacher answers and the listening script are stored separately.
Teacher AnswersBack to New Zealand Collection
1 Lesson Goals
Symbols of New Zealand

By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:

  • understand the main ideas and key details in Symbols of New Zealand .
  • use important vocabulary from the lesson.
  • share ideas in speaking and writing.
Start here: Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? Tell a partner one idea.
2 Reading
Before you read:

Look at the picture and title. What do you already know about this topic? Write two ideas, then compare with a partner.

Countries often have symbols that people recognise. New Zealand has several well-known symbols. The silver fern is a native fern and is used by many New Zealand sports teams and organisations. The kiwi is a native bird that cannot fly. The word “Kiwi” is also an informal name for a New Zealander. The koru is a spiral shape inspired by a new fern frond. It is important in Māori art and can represent ideas such as new life and growth. The New Zealand flag is another national symbol. These symbols appear in sport, art, tourism and everyday life. They help people recognise New Zealand and some of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
3 Vocabulary
Words: symbol · fern · native · spiral · flag

Write a short meaning or synonym for each word.

4 Check Your Understanding
1. What plant is a famous New Zealand symbol?
2. Can a kiwi bird fly?
3. What else can the word “Kiwi” mean?
4. What shape is the koru?
5. Where can people see New Zealand symbols?
5 Language Focus

Choose is or are: 1. The silver fern ___ a native plant. 2. Kiwi birds ___ native to New Zealand. 3. The koru ___ a spiral shape. 4. These symbols ___ easy to recognise.

6 Listen & Speak

Listen: Your teacher will read the text twice. Answer the questions.

1. Where does Leo see the silver fern?
2. What does he see at the wildlife centre?
3. What design does he see on a sign?
4. What does he do with the three symbols?

Speak: Which New Zealand symbol do you recognise most easily? Where have you seen it?

A Visit to the Library — Continued
7 Use Your English

Write: Write 4–6 sentences about one New Zealand symbol. Say what it looks like and where people can see it.

8 Puzzle or Game

Symbol Sketch: Draw one lesson symbol without writing its name. Your partner guesses it and makes one sentence about it.

9 Success Criteria
  • ☐ I can explain the main idea.
  • ☐ I can use at least three new words.
  • ☐ I can complete the language task.
  • ☐ I can share an idea in spoken or written English.
10 Visual Gallery
Close-up of a silver fern frond
Silver FernThe silver fern is a native plant and a well-known symbol used by many New Zealand teams and organisations.
A kiwi bird walking in native forest
Kiwi BirdThe kiwi is a native New Zealand bird. It cannot fly and has become a symbol of the country.
A koru fern beside a bright blue lake and snow-capped mountains
KoruThe koru comes from a young fern frond and can represent new life, growth and moving forward.
The New Zealand flag with mountains and lake behind
New Zealand FlagThe New Zealand flag is another national symbol. It shows the Union Jack and the Southern Cross.