Matariki literacy
A simple literacy activity to support great writing.
Firstly, the science...
Writing about something specific that we notice, such as a moment of seeing rangi, involves a combination of personal perception, creative expression and perhaps scientific observation. It encompasses our personal emotions, experiences, and interpretations, allowing us to capture the beauty, awe, and wonder of rangi or maraca in a way that engages and resonates with readers. It’s the crispness of the writing that will do this, that’s why focusing on one tiny moment is so good for extending our writing skills.
Why this activity?
This activity fosters a sense of community and inclusion. It encourages tamariki to recognise their shared experiences and appreciate each other's unique qualities, building empathy and respect. As the web grows, it visually demonstrates how we are all connected, creating a stronger classroom culture where tamariki feel safe, valued, and part of a supportive team. This sense of connection enhances social-emotional development, making the classroom a place where children are more likely to thrive.
You'll need
Your creative tamariki
A pencil and paper or their devices
What to do
Remind them of their senses and emotions in order that they include these in their writing. They could write a short story or poem. If they believe the moment is meaningful, and they want others to know, this may help them conjure up a great way to write about it.
In light of Matariki and under its current rangi, perhaps offer a writing topic of tamariki first moments together again this week. What they saw, what they felt, what they smelt, touched and heard upon entering their space at school again, together. We reckon this might conjure up some Matariki magic!
A moment when tamariki have watched the night sky - from the car, from their window, when bringing in wood at night
A moment they shared kai with whānau
A moment they remembered someone they love and miss
That time they noticed the whetū or marama
That time they smelt te taiao - cut grass, the rain, the bush, dirt on their hands, the awa water, a warm kōhatu, the moana
That time they touched te taiao - the frost under their boots, the moss on a rākau trunk, the water falling from a waterfall, wave or rapid, the dirt on my knee, rā on my back
Kaiako card
To make things easier, refer to or print the kaiako card for this activity.
Whānau engagement
Ask tamariki to read their writing out and video to share on your networks. Ask whānau to show tamariki rangi tonight to form some great writing moment ideas.
And to add to this...
Now we've had some ka rawe writting linking to Matariki try out some Matariki whetū artwork
Curriculum links
Creating meaning for themselves or others (speaking, writing, and presenting).
Personal Health and physical development: A4 Personal identity