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Whale Rider Identity Themes
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Whale Rider Identity Themes
🐋 Part 1: Understanding Identity and Belonging
1. What does "identity" mean in the context of Whale Rider?
How Kahu looks physically
Who Kahu is and what makes her unique
Kahu's favourite activities
Where Kahu lives
2. Which of these show Kahu's struggle with belonging? (Select all that apply)
Being rejected by her grandfather
Learning traditional Māori practices
Being born female in a patriarchal tradition
Her connection to the whales
3. How does Kahu's cultural heritage shape her identity?
It creates conflict between tradition and her role as a girl
It makes her life easier
It has no impact on her journey
It only affects her relationship with animals
4. Complete this sentence: Kahu's journey shows that belonging means ________________.
A) following all traditions exactly
B) being accepted by everyone
C) finding your place while staying true to yourself
D) changing who you are to fit in
✍️ Part 2: Text Evidence and Analysis
5. Find ONE specific example from the text where Kahu struggles with her identity. Write the quote or describe the scene:
6. Explain how this example shows the theme of identity or belonging:
7. How does Kahu's relationship with her grandfather change throughout the story? What does this teach us about belonging?
🌊 Part 3: Personal Connections and Reflection
8. Think about your own identity. What are three things that make you who you are?
1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________
3. _________________________________
9. Describe a time when you felt like you belonged somewhere or with a group of people:
10. What does Kahu's journey teach us about identity and belonging? Connect this to your own experiences or observations about Aotearoa New Zealand:
Extension Activity: Create a short poem (4-6 lines) or write a paragraph that captures what you've learnt about identity and belonging from Whale Rider. Try to include a Māori concept like whakapapa (genealogy) or whakatōhea (belonging):
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