Commemorating Matariki

Overview

A 60-minute Humanities session for Year 3 students focusing on Strand 1: Civics and Society in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. This lesson explores commemorative days in New Zealand, with an emphasis on Matariki. The lesson will deepen students’ cultural understanding of Matariki’s significance and explore how communities commemorate this important Māori event.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the cultural and historical significance of Matariki in Aotearoa New Zealand.
2. Recognise Matariki as a commemorative day linked to Māori culture and identity.
3. Identify and describe different ways communities celebrate Matariki.
4. Develop empathy and respect for cultural diversity through participation and reflection.
5. Communicate their learning through oral and visual means, incorporating new vocabulary.

Curriculum Alignment:

• Social Sciences Strand 1: Civics and Society
  • Understand the importance and role of commemorations and celebrations in society.
  • Explore how individuals and communities participate in commemorations to express identity and values.
• Social Sciences Living and Participating in Communities (Level 2, Year 3)
• Key Competencies: Relating to others, Participating and contributing
• English (Oral Language): Communicating ideas and information clearly
• Understanding Cultural Perspectives: Engage with Māori perspectives in authentic contexts

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Resources

• Large illustrated picture book or a short video about Matariki with images of the stars and celebrations.
• Printed pictures/photos showing various Matariki celebrations (e.g., kite flying, storytelling, community feasts).
• Chart paper and coloured markers.
• Sticky notes and writing/drawing materials for students.
• Star-shaped cut-outs for an interactive activity.
• Te reo Māori vocabulary cards (e.g., Matariki, whānau, kai, whetū).
• Whiteboard or smartboard for vocabulary and activity instructions.

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Lesson Plan Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details & Teacher Notes
0-10 min	Introduction to Commemorative Days	- Explain what commemorative days are and why people celebrate special days. - Ask students: “Can you name any days you celebrate? Why are they special?” - Introduce Matariki as one important commemorative day in New Zealand. Use simple, clear language.
10-20 min	Story/Video Time – Matariki Explained	- Read or watch a brief story/video that tells the legend and significance of Matariki. - Highlight key words in te reo Māori. - Pause to ask comprehension questions, e.g., “What happens during Matariki?” and “Why do people celebrate it?”
20-30 min	Explore Ways Matariki is Celebrated	- Show photos/pictures illustrating community events: planting kai, kite flying, storytelling, feasting, star gazing. - As a class, brainstorm and list these ways on the chart paper. - Invite children to share if their family or whānau celebrates Matariki and how.
30-45 min	Creative Activity – Star of Celebrations	- Give each student a star-shaped paper cut-out. - Ask students to draw or write one way people celebrate Matariki. - Share their stars with the class and create a “Matariki Celebrations Star Wall” by sticking them on a board/wall space. - Use this to reinforce vocabulary and cultural values.
45-55 min	Reflection and Discussion	- Facilitate a class discussion: “Why do you think it is important to have special days like Matariki?” - Discuss themes like community, remembering, and sharing. - Connect to students’ own family or community celebrations for cultural understanding.
55-60 min	Assessment & Wrap-Up	- Formative assessment through observation of participation and engagement. - Students respond verbally to questions about Matariki’s meaning. - Exit slip: Students write or draw their favourite thing learned today on a sticky note. - Close with a simple whakataukī (proverb) about stars or new beginnings.

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Assessment Ideas

• Formative: Observe student contributions during discussions and brainstorming to assess understanding of Matariki’s significance and community participation.
• Exit slips: Collect drawings/writing from stars for evidence of students’ grasp of different Matariki commemorations.
• Oral feedback: Note students’ ability to express why commemorations like Matariki matter, using key vocabulary introduced.
• Use culturally responsive assessment approaches by acknowledging oral and visual expressions of knowledge, valuing te reo Māori terms, and participation.

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Key Vocabulary (with examples)

Māori Word	English Meaning	Use Example
Matariki	Māori New Year / Pleiades star cluster	“Matariki is the cluster of stars we see in winter.”
Whānau	Family	“Families come together to celebrate Matariki.”
Whetū	Star	“Matariki means ‘little eyes’ or stars.”
Kai	Food	“People share kai at Matariki feasts.”
Hapū	Sub-tribe / Community	“Different hapū celebrate Matariki their way.”

Embedding te reo Māori vocabulary supports language development and cultural identity in line with NZC principles .

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Teaching Considerations

• Foster a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their cultural knowledge and questions.
• Use inclusive language acknowledging diverse family backgrounds and experiences with cultural commemorations.
• Provide visual supports and scaffolds appropriate for Year 3 students’ literacy and oral language levels.
• Ensure all content is age-appropriate and respectful of Māori culture and protocols.
• Allow kinesthetic and creative expression to suit varied learning styles (drawing, discussion, storytelling).
• Tie discussions to students’ personal experiences to make learning relatable and meaningful.

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This detailed, culturally responsive lesson plan aligns with the intent and requirements of the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, promoting identity, community understanding, and respect for Māori cultural heritage through a focussed, engaging exploration of Matariki in Year 3 social sciences .