Matariki
learning

Each week, we're introducing one of the Matariki cluster whetū, while connecting in a little health and P.E learning ideas and other aspects of the curriculum areas as we go.

See below some of our favourite ideas, resources, and activities to support learning connected to each of the nine whetū.

If in your area you celebrate Puanga/Puaka head here for some of our best ideas to support your tamariki learning

A Matariki event

If your school or kura is hosting or supporting a community Matariki event, that's awesome! These events are great ways to bring in the Māori New Year together, feel connected, share the excitement, and showcase your tamariki learning.

Here's a few ideas:

Share kai - hupa (soup) is always a lovely treat for tamariki to make and serve.
Have a quiet moment of reflection and wonder, while looking at the stars.
Plant a tree or prepare your vegetable garden for new planting.
Reflect on our connection to te taiao - kōrero your local pūrākau and your special places, rākau or manu.
Make individual wishes or a collective wish upon Hiwa-i-te-rangi.
Make manu tukutuku (kites) together. These are used to welcome Matariki connecting to the whetū (stars) and connecting us and Papatūānuku.
Sing waiata and showcase your kapa haka group.
Engage with your local kaumātua, iwi or marae - combine events or share ideas and resources.

Connecting with the Matariki whetu

Connecting
with Tupu-ā-rangi

Some ideas to support Tupu-ā-rangi learning, an opportunity to plant some herbs and learn why planting is significant when we look at Tupu-ā-rangi

See our ideas

Connecting
with Tupu-ā-nuku

An opportunity to connect with whenua and have a mindful moment feeling the sand and dirt beneath our waewae while taking some deep puku breathes

See our ideas

Connecting
with Waipuna-ā-rangi

Some creative activities to support tamariki to explore the water cycle and connect with Waipuna-ā-rangi

See our ideas

Connecting with Waitā

This mindfulness activity allows tamariki to check in with their emotions, while listening to the relaxing sounds of te moana and connect with Waitā

See our ideas

Connecting with Waitī

These activities create opportunities for tamariki to connect with their local awa in fun and exciting ways without having to leave the classroom

See our ideas

Connecting with Ururangi

Explore Ururangi by understanding the atmospheric conditions we see here in Aotearoa

See our ideas

Connecting with Pōhutukawa

Activities that support us to connect with those whom we have passed, connecting with our heritage, and our personal identity

See our ideas

Connecting with Matariki

Our favourite activities to support your Matariki whetū learning with a little bit of mindfulness and waiata

See our ideas

Connecting with Hiwa-i-te-rangi

Our favourite activities to support your Hiwa-i-te-rangi learning. Supporting tamariki to set some goals and reflect on their achievements

See our ideas

Create a Matariki wall or ceiling display!

The Matariki whetū which form the Matariki cluster, are intrinsically connected and named. Their names often define their purpose. To support tamariki learning about individual whetū which form the Matariki cluster, we’ve developed a wall or ceiling display of each whetū!

Each whetū is carefully created by your tamariki working together to form the whetū from smaller parts and by using small visual reminders tamariki can remember their purpose. Assemble each whetū after completing some related learning. It's through this activity tamariki will understand that this learning is collective, not separate.

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More of our Matariki activities

Matariki kōhatu (stones)

Learn about the 9 Matariki whetū (stars) that make up the Matariki cluster, especially Hiwa-i-te-rangi - the wishing star! Then paint kōhatu (stones) with whetū

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