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