Matariki Celebration

Overview

Curriculum Area: Social Studies, Level 1-2
Duration: 45 minutes
Year Group: Year 3
Class Size: 20 students

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand the significance of Matariki to Māori culture and New Zealand.
• Identify the Matariki star cluster and its importance.
• Participate in a class activity that celebrates Matariki.

Materials Needed

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Cut-out star shapes (one for each student)
• Colouring materials (crayons, markers, coloured pencils)
• Glue and glitter
• Butcher paper or large paper for a class mural
• A copy of the Māori legend of Matariki (appropriate for Year 3 reading level)
• Audio recording of a Matariki song (optional)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

Greeting and Settling Down

1. Welcome students to the lesson and have them sit in a circle on the mat.

Hook
2. Begin by asking, "Who has heard of Matariki?" Allow time for a few responses. 3. Share a brief introduction: "Matariki is the Māori New Year. It is a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future."

Story Time
4. Read the Māori legend of Matariki aloud to the class. Pause for interactive questions such as "What do you think will happen next?" or "How do you think the characters feel?"

Activity 1: Star Identification (10 minutes)

Visual and Discussion

1. Display an image of the Matariki star cluster on the interactive whiteboard or projector.
2. Explain that Matariki is also called the Pleiades and consists of nine stars. The most important stars are Waitī, Waitā, Waipunarangi, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Ururangi, Pōhutukawa, Hiwa-i-te-rangi, and Matariki.
3. Point out where the cluster can be seen in New Zealand’s sky and when (June-July).

Interactive Discussion
4. Ask students to share why they think stars might be important in different cultures. Connect their answers to Māori culture and Matariki.

Activity 2: Matariki Star Craft (20 minutes)

Hands-on Craft

1. Hand out cut-out star shapes and colouring materials to each student.
2. Instruct students to decorate their star in a way that represents something special to them or their family.
3. While students are decorating, play an audio recording of a Matariki song to create an immersive atmosphere (optional).

Class Mural
4. Once decorated, students can add glue and glitter to make their stars sparkle. 5. Gather all decorated stars and have students help place them on a large piece of butcher paper to create a class Matariki star mural.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

Sharing and Reflection

1. Gather students back in a circle around the completed mural.
2. Allow time for students to share what they decorated their star with and why it’s special.
3. Discuss how Matariki is a time to be grateful and think about what they are thankful for.

Wrap-Up
4. Summarize the key points of the lesson. Reinforce the significance of Matariki and how it’s a time for reflection and celebration.

Farewell
5. Thank the students for their participation and enthusiasm.

Assessment

• Observation: Teacher will observe student participation and engagement during the lesson and activities.
• Craft: Review the completed star decorations for effort and creativity.
• Discussion: Listen to the students' reflections and ensure they understand the basic concepts of Matariki.

By the end of this lesson, students should have a fundamental understanding of Matariki, its cultural significance, and its representation in the stars.