Matariki Creativity

Curriculum Context

This lesson for Year 2 students in New Zealand aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, specifically within the Social Sciences learning area, exploring how societies work and connect with their cultural histories, and the The Arts, focusing on expressing ideas and feelings through visual arts.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the significance of Matariki as a Māori celebration marking the Māori New Year, connecting to concepts of time and seasons (Social Sciences, Level 1).
• Explore and express ideas about Matariki through creative artwork (The Arts, Level 1).
• Develop respectful listening and participation skills while sharing Matariki stories and waiata (Key Competencies: Participating and Contributing).
• Use te reo Māori words related to Matariki during learning (Language and culture awareness).

Key Competencies

• Participating and Contributing: Students engage in shared learning and express ideas during storytelling and artwork.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Integrating te reo Māori words and symbols relating to Matariki stars and celestial concepts.
• Thinking: Reflecting on cultural stories, seasonal changes, and the meanings behind Matariki.

---

Lesson Overview (20 minutes) — 20 Students

Time	Activity	Purpose/Description
3 mins	Introduction & Karakia	Begin with a simple karakia to acknowledge the day and Matariki. Explain briefly what Matariki is: the cluster of stars appearing in winter that signal a New Year and time to celebrate. Use clear, simple language and share a picture of the Matariki star cluster. Teach the word Matariki and a few star names (for example, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi).
5 mins	Short Storytelling & Waiata	Read a short, age-appropriate Matariki story connected with the stars, the seasons, or the idea of new beginnings. Engage students by asking simple questions (“What do you see in the sky?”). Sing a short Matariki waiata together to foster connection and bring in rhythm and language.
10 mins	Art Activity: Create a Matariki Star Cluster	Students create their own Matariki art piece using star cut-outs. Provide gold, silver, and white papers, glue, and black or dark blue card as background. Encourage students to place stars to form a cluster and decorate with glitter or paint dots representing the stars. Introduce te reo Māori vocabulary during the activity (e.g., whetū for star).
2 mins	Reflection and Sharing	Invite a few volunteers to share their artwork and say what they enjoyed about Matariki or their star work. Reinforce learning with praise and connect the art back to the story and significance of Matariki. Close with a simple karakia or waiata.

---

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Introduction & Karakia (3 mins)

• Use a visual chart or projected photo showing the Matariki star cluster.
• Briefly explain Matariki as a special time in winter, a time to remember, celebrate family, and prepare for the new season.
• Teach a simple karakia or welcome phrase that relates to the stars.
• Use te reo Māori names of some Matariki stars to build cultural connection.

Storytelling & Waiata (5 mins)

• Read a culturally respectful story about Matariki suitable for Year 2 level.
• Pause to ask predictive or observational questions.
• Teach a simple waiata (song) about Matariki, focusing on repetition and easy-to-learn te reo Māori.

Art Activity (10 mins)

• Provide each student with colored paper and star templates.
• Students cut out star shapes from the colored paper.
• Decorate stars using glitter and markers.
• Attach strings to the stars.
• Use a coat hanger or circular base to hang the stars and create a mobile.
• This activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills while connecting to the Matariki theme.

Reflection and Sharing (2 mins)

• Create a supportive space for students to share their artwork.
• Ask guiding questions: “What star did you create?” or “What did you learn about Matariki?”
• Encourage use of te reo Māori learned.
• End with a collective karakia or waiata to consolidate cultural respect.

---

Assessment

Formative assessment during the lesson with these checkpoints:

• Listening and participation: Are students engaged in the story and waiata? Do they respond to questions?
• Artwork creation: Can students place stars with some guidance and use art materials purposefully?
• Use of vocabulary: Do students attempt to use te reo Māori words introduced?
• Reflection sharing: Can students express simple ideas about Matariki or their art?

---

Resources Needed

• Visual image of the Matariki star cluster.
• Storybook or printed story about Matariki written for young children.
• Lyrics and music for a simple Matariki waiata.
• Art supplies: black/dark blue card, star cut-outs (gold, silver, white paper), glue, glitter.
• Te reo Māori vocabulary cards related to Matariki.

---

Alignment with New Zealand Curriculum Refresh

• Social Sciences Level 1: Understanding how people observe and recount stories about the world and seasons (Understanding Matariki as seasonal and cultural marker).
• The Arts Level 1: Exploring and expressing ideas and feelings through created work.
• Key Competencies: Encouraging communication, participation, thinking, and using language including te reo Māori.
• Values and Principles: Reflecting the importance of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through tikanga Māori practice and language use.

---

This lesson presents an engaging, culturally rich, and age-appropriate way for Year 2 students to experience Matariki through language, story, music, and art, fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity linked to New Zealand’s unique culture and history. It builds foundational knowledge while celebrating creativity and te reo Māori integration. This approach helps teachers inspire wonder and respect for Aotearoa’s heritage in a fun, memorable 20-minute session.