Maramataka and Moon Phases

Learning Context

In this lesson, tamariki will explore the Māori lunar calendar (maramataka) and the phases of the moon by engaging with a YouTube clip explaining the traditional Māori lunar-stellar calendar system. This lesson aligns with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa by integrating Te Ao Māori perspectives on time, environment, and astronomy.

---

Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT: Understand what a moon phase is and recognise the names of the different moon phases in te reo Māori.
• WALT: Identify key maramataka months and relate them to the lunar phases and associated ecological indicators.
• WALT: Develop vocabulary in te reo Māori relating to the lunar calendar through engaging activities.

---

Success Criteria

Tamariki will be able to:

• Describe what a moon phase is in simple terms using te reo Māori vocabulary.
• Name at least 4 different moon phases in Māori (e.g., pō uri, rākinui).
• Correctly identify Māori lunar months from a wordfind.
• Complete a crossword using maramataka vocabulary with support.
• Show understanding by answering comprehension questions about the YouTube clip.
• Engage with both oral and written te reo Māori, accommodating different learning styles and needs.

---

Curriculum Links

Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (Ngā Iwi ākonga / Level 3-4)

• Papatūānuku me Ranginui | Te Ao Tūroa (Environment and natural cycles)
• Understand and explain natural cycles and their significance to people and place.
• Āhuatanga ā-iwi me ngā tikanga | Iwi and Custom
• Recognise and use te reo Māori terminology linked to whakapapa and customary knowledge.
• Whakawhanaungatanga | Developing relationships
• Use waiata, pūrākau, and oral reo to connect to tikanga and taiao.

---

Competencies

• Ngā Pūmanawa Reo: Oral language, listening and vocabulary acquisition.
• Te Reo Māori: Using appropriate Māori terms for lunar phases and months.
• Ngā Mahi-a-ringa | Hands-on learning: Wordfind and crossword puzzles promote active engagement.
• Manaakitanga & Whakaute: Encouraging peer support during differentiated activities.

---

Lesson Overview (20 minutes)

Time	Activity	Details	Differentiation
0-3 mins	Introduction & WALT review	Kia ora, introduce topic; explain WALT simply.	Use visual aids (moon phase images) and simple te reo Māori phrases. Use sentence starters.
3-8 mins	Watch YouTube clip extract	Play selected 5-minute section emphasizing moon phases and maramataka months. Ask tamariki to watch carefully.	Dyslexia-friendly: provide oral explanations alongside video, use pauses to check understanding.
8-12 mins	Comprehension questions discussion	Oral Q&A using te reo Māori and English; e.g. "He aha te wāhanga o te marama?" (What is a moon phase?) "Waiwhetūhia ngā ingoa maramataka?" (Name some lunar months).	Provide sentence frames and visuals. Kaiawhina supports those needing help.
12-17 mins	Wordfind and Crossword puzzles	Tamariki work in pairs or small groups to complete a wordfind featuring Māori maramataka months and a crossword for moon phase names.	Extension learners create simple sentences using the new vocabulary; support learners provided with word bank.
17-20 mins	Reflection and Recap	Group share: children's favourite moon phase or maramataka month in te reo Māori. Quick oral recall activity.	Use props or hand actions linked to the lunar months for kinaesthetic learners.

---

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Introduction & WALT (0–3 mins)

• Begin karakia or waiata as a focus.
• Explain: “We are learning to understand how the Māori lunar calendar works and about different moon phases.”
• Show images of the moon phases and maramataka month names, encouraging tamariki to say them aloud.

YouTube Clip Viewing (3–8 mins)

• Show carefully selected clip from the video focusing on:
• Explanation of lunar months and maramataka names,
• Lunar phases including new moon (pō uri), full moon (rākinui), and waning moon.
• Stop the video at key points to ask quick check-in questions in te reo Māori.

Comprehension Questions (8–12 mins)

Sample questions (in te reo Māori, with English translation as needed):

• He aha ngā wāhanga o te marama? (What are the phases of the moon?)
• Ko te maramataka Māori he aha tōna āhua? (What is the Māori calendar system like?)
• Ēhea ngā maramataka o te tau? (Which months are part of the year?)
• Me pēhea tātou e kite ai i ngā wāhanga o te marama? (How do we recognise the moon phases?)

Wordfind and Crossword Activity (12–17 mins)

• Provide printed wordfind including Māori months: Pipiri, Takurua, Mahuru, Kohitātea, etc.
• Crossword includes words for moon phases: Pō Uri (new moon), Rākinui (full moon), Mutuuri (waning moon).
• Encourage group work and discussion.
• Kaiawhina circulates to support learners struggling with reading or spelling.

Reflection and Recap (17–20 mins)

• Use a visual timer or hand signals for turns.
• Ask children to share one new word or fact they learned.
• Reinforce correct pronunciation and te reo usage.
• Finish with a simple Māori waiata or karakia linked to the moon or stars.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Use sentence stems and visuals for English and te reo Māori language learners.
• Allow oral answers or drawing representations for learners with writing difficulties.
• Provide word banks and reading guides for dyslexic learners.
• Extension tasks: advanced learners can create short sentences or stories about the moon phases in te reo Māori.
• Use kinaesthetic learning: hand signs used in the video explained and practiced.

---

Resources Required

• Printed comprehension question sheet (with both English and te reo Māori).
• Wordfind and crossword worksheets (large print, dyslexia-friendly font).
• Images or flashcards of moon phases and maramataka months.
• Screen and device to show YouTube clip.
• Whiteboard or chart paper for group reflection.

---

This lesson supports an engaging introduction to Māori lunar timekeeping tied directly to Te Marautanga o Aotearoa by celebrating te reo, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori within a hands-on, accessible learning format to inspire curiosity and pride in Māori heritage and knowledge.