Stars and Whakataukī

Overview

This 40-minute Art lesson introduces Year 3 students (Curriculum Level 2, The Arts - Visual Arts) to creating an artwork that reflects a whakataukī about Matariki. Students will explore the meaning of the whakataukī, connect it to the traditions of Matariki, and express their understanding artistically.

Curriculum Area:

• The Arts | Ngā Toi - Visual Arts
• Curriculum Level: Level 2 (Years 3–4)

Big Idea (Visual Arts):
Artworks can communicate ideas, meanings, and stories, connecting past, present, and future.

Cross-curricular links:

• Aotearoa New Zealand Histories: Understanding Māori traditions and celebrations
• Te Reo Māori: Introduction and use of whakataukī

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Learning Intentions

Students will:

• Understand a whakataukī related to Matariki.
• Reflect on the meaning behind the whakataukī.
• Create an artwork that visually expresses their understanding.

Success Criteria

Students can:

• Describe in their own words the meaning of the whakataukī.
• Use symbols, colours, and shapes that link to Matariki and the whakataukī.
• Present a completed artwork reflecting their own interpretation.

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Whakataukī for the Lesson

"Matariki ārahi i te tau hou." (Matariki signals the new year.)

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Materials Needed

• A3 cartridge paper (one per student)
• Oil pastels and crayons
• Watercolour paints
• Paintbrushes
• Jars of water for brushes
• Black vivid markers
• Visual examples of Matariki star cluster
• Printouts/poster of selected whakataukī
• Mats or newspaper to protect desks

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Lesson Breakdown (40 Minutes)

1. Introduction and Whakataukī Exploration (7 Minutes)

• Welcome students and set the scene: "Today we're going to create a special artwork inspired by Matariki, our Māori New Year!"
• Introduce the whakataukī: say it aloud together.
• Discuss its meaning simply:
  "This whakataukī reminds us that Matariki leads us into a fresh, new year full of hopes and dreams!"
• Show visual images of Matariki stars and traditional Matariki celebrations (briefly, 2–3 images).

Teacher Tip: Use a short story to humanise Matariki, e.g., "The stars are like guiding friends lighting up the dark sky to tell us it's time to start again."

2. Creative Spark Warm-up (5 Minutes)

• On mini whiteboards (or scrap paper), quickly sketch or brainstorm:
  • What could a 'new beginning' look like?
  • What colours feel like a 'new year' or 'hope'?

Share: Invite 3–4 students to share aloud their favourite ideas.

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3. Main Art Activity (24 Minutes)

Step 1: Drawing the Star Scene (10 minutes)

• Using black vivid markers, students:
  • Draw 7–9 large stars in different places on the page (representing Matariki and other cluster stars).
  • Add waves, mountains, or gardens at the bottom to show connection between land and stars – linking to the new year's planting and harvest themes.

Step 2: Colouring with Pastels and Crayons (8 minutes)

• Students colour stars with vibrant pastels or crayons.
• Encourage multiple colours blending together — "New beginnings are full of possibilities."

Step 3: Painting Sky with Watercolour (6 minutes)

• Students carefully watercolour the sky space using darker colours (blues, purples, black).
• Watch the stars 'glow' against the night background – a symbol of hope.

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4. Reflection and Connection (4 Minutes)

• Lay artworks on desks or hang them up side-by-side.
• Circle up with students standing near their art.
• Prompt: "Who can share what new beginning they thought about as they made their art?"

Optional Quick Round:
Each student says one word that matches the feeling of new beginnings (e.g., "excited", "calm", "brave").

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Extension and Adaptation Ideas

• Collaboratively make a large class mural using individual stars from each student.
• Write a personal whakataukī on the back of their artwork for an integrated Te Reo Māori and Literacy connection.

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Assessment

• Informal teacher observation of participation and engagement.
• Self-assessment prompt: "I showed the meaning of the whakataukī in my art by…"
• Learning outcomes captured through artwork gallery and student reflection.

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Teacher Notes

• Plan extra paper for students who may finish quickly or want a second try.
• Encourage language weaving: simple Te Reo Māori greetings and colours during the activity (e.g., "kikorangi" for blue).
• Emphasise that there is no single correct way to show Matariki — creativity and personal expression are key!

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"Ka mua, ka muri" — "Walking backwards into the future."
Let's honour the wisdom of the past while inspiring hope for each student's unique journey ahead.