Exploring Matariki Together

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Unit: Matariki: Celebrations & Stories

Lesson 1 of 1

Curriculum Area:

• English — Listening, Reading, and Viewing
• Curriculum Level 3 (Years 5–6)

Achievement Objectives:

• Processes and strategies: Selects and uses a range of processing and comprehension strategies with growing understanding.
• Purposes and audiences: Shows an increasing understanding of how texts are shaped for different purposes and audiences.
• Ideas: Recognises and understands connected ideas within and across texts.

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Lesson Overview

Students will develop an understanding of Matariki, the Māori New Year, and its significance in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. The lesson focuses on fostering appreciation of cultural traditions, encouraging group discussion, and connecting students' own experiences with those explored in readings about Matariki.

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WALT (We Are Learning To):

• Identify and understand the significance of Matariki.
• Explore cultural stories and traditions associated with the Matariki celebration.
• Share information clearly and respectfully in a group setting.

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Success Criteria:

✅ I can explain what Matariki is and why it is important.
✅ I can identify key ideas from a text about Matariki.
✅ I can share my ideas respectfully and listen to others.
✅ I can connect the idea of Matariki to community and celebration.

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Lesson Duration: 60 Minutes

Time	Activity	Purpose
0–10 min	Introduction to Matariki	Engage prior knowledge and set context
10–25 min	Shared Reading: "The Seven Stars of Matariki"	Develop understanding of key ideas
25–40 min	Group Activity: Matariki Discovery Webs	Synthesize information collaboratively
40–55 min	Sharing and Class Discussion	Communicate findings and expand understanding
55–60 min	Reflection and Conclusion	Consolidate learning and link to personal experiences

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Detailed Plan

0–10 min — Introduction to Matariki

• Teacher Talk: Briefly introduce Matariki — the cluster of stars that signals the Māori New Year and celebrations of renewal, remembrance, and planting.
• Cultural Connection: Use a whakataukī (proverb) linked to Matariki:
  "Matariki hunga nui" (Matariki brings us together).
• Kōrero Prompt: "Who has heard of Matariki before? What do you know or celebrate?"

Differentiation:

• Use visuals — a large image of the Matariki cluster.
• Have keywords displayed (like: cluster, celebration, remembrance).

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10–25 min — Shared Reading: The Seven Stars of Matariki

• Resource: Distribute a dyslexia-friendly printed text version (clear font, cream paper).
• Approach:
  • Teacher reads the story aloud with tone and expression.
  • Students follow along using whisper reading.
• Guided Discussion after reading:
  • Who are the seven stars?
  • What happens in the story?
  • Why is Matariki important in Aotearoa?

Differentiation:

• Provide audio version options via devices with headphones for students needing extra processing support.
• Buddy up readers for peer scaffolding.

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25–40 min — Group Activity: Matariki Discovery Webs

• Students: In mixed-ability groups of 5.
• Activity: Create a large group "Discovery Web" on A3 paper with "Matariki" in the centre – around it, students add:
  • Facts about Matariki from the reading.
  • New words they learned.
  • Symbols or drawings (for diverse expression).
• Teacher Role: Support groups, prompt deep thinking, celebrate bilingual responses (encourage Māori kupu used).

Differentiation:

• Structured scaffold provided (starter phrases like "One thing I learned was...").

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40–55 min — Sharing and Class Discussion

• Gallery Walk: Groups post their Discovery Webs around the room.
• Gallery Tour: Groups rotate, reading and respecting each others' work (silent reading and post-it comments like "I liked..." or "I learned...").
• Whole-Class Discussion:
  • What did we notice was similar between groups?
  • Any surprising facts?
  • Why are stories important for understanding a special celebration like Matariki?

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55–60 min — Reflection and Conclusion

• Quick Exit Ticket: On a small slip of paper, write (or draw):
  • ⭐ One thing I learned today.
  • 🌟 One question I still have.

Optional Reflection Prompt on board:
"How does your whānau (family) celebrate special times together? How is it the same or different from Matariki?"

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Write a short original myth explaining the stars of Matariki.
• Research how Pleiades (Matariki) is understood in another culture (e.g., Japan - Subaru symbol).
• Create a comparison poster between Matariki and New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide.

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Resources & Materials

• Printed dyslexia-friendly texts of The Seven Stars of Matariki.
• Large A3 paper and coloured markers for Discovery Webs.
• Post-it notes for Gallery Walk.
• Audio player/device for alternative reading access.

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Key Teaching Tips

• Model curiosity and respect for cultural learning.
• Value all contributions, whether written, spoken, or visual.
• Encourage use of te reo Māori language in natural ways ("whānau," "Matariki," "taonga").
• Celebrate students making personal connections — culture is living and shared!

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Final Note:

This lesson honours ākonga diversity and aims to create an inclusive, engaging environment where students can experience the magic and meaning of Matariki together, building their understanding of stories that connect communities and whenua in Aotearoa. 🌟