| Maatariki as a national celebration has developed while I was teaching overseas, so this is still a festival that I am catching up on. However, this year, I have really enjoyed exploring Maatariki with my class. I used an art idea from NZ Teachers (Primary) Facebook group. It was interesting how the 3 teachers in NE all used the same idea, and produced completely different artworks with their kids. I also read a post about the names and meanings of the 9 brightest starts in the constellation. So, I decided to combine the placing the of the stars on their art with a lesson on mindfulness. I gave each child 9 star stickers and we named them one at a time and learned what they represent. The children then thought in silence about that element. It took about 30 mins to meditatively work our way through all 9 stars, so I was impressed at the patience of these little ones. We then followed this up by writing a Matariki wish. |
On top of this, the school held a Maatariki fun evening for families. It is an evening of cultural awareness and whanau. I was in charge of the poi making activity and we were absolutely inundated with kids and parents. Hundreds of poi must have been made that night.
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