Maui and Sun Art

Overview

This 180-minute cross-curricular art lesson for Years 0-5 explores the Māori legend of Maui and the Sun. The lesson encourages students to engage creatively and culturally, deepening their understanding of Māori stories while developing fundamental visual art skills. The plan aligns closely with the New Zealand Curriculum focusing on The Arts learning area, key competencies, and values.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• We Are Learning To (WALT):
  • Understand and express the story of Maui and the Sun through visual art.
  • Explore and apply visual art techniques such as shape, colour, and texture.
  • Develop creativity and cultural awareness by connecting with a taonga tuku iho (treasured story).
  • Work collaboratively and independently to create and share artworks.

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Curriculum Alignment

The Arts Learning Area (Visual Arts) Years 0-5

• Achievement Objective:
  • Explore and express ideas, feelings, and experiences using the elements of the arts (colour, shape, line, form, and texture) and techniques.
  • Creating and Responding: Combine thinking and imagination to develop and share visual artworks inspired by knowledge of tikanga and reo Māori stories.
• Key Competencies:
  • Thinking: Use creative and critical thinking to develop art inspired by Maui and the Sun.
  • Using language, symbols, and texts: Interpret and convey ideas through visual symbols relating to Māori narrative.
  • Managing self: Demonstrate perseverance and focus when developing artwork over time.
  • Relating to others: Share and discuss artworks respectfully showing understanding of Māori perspectives.
• Values:
  • Respect (Manaakitanga) for cultural stories and collaborative work.
  • Innovation, inquiry, and curiosity through creative exploration.

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Lesson Plan: Maui and the Sun Art Exploration

Time	Activity	Description	Success Criteria	Differentiation	Extension Activity
20 min	Introduction to Maui and the Sun	Interactive storytelling session using oral storytelling and picture book images describing the legend of Maui and the Sun.	Students listen actively and retell key parts in their own words or drawings; show interest and respect for the story.	Use visuals and simple language for ELL or early learners; encouragement to use te reo Māori phrases such as tama-nui-te-rā (the sun).	Advanced learners create a short sequencing storyboard of the tale.
25 min	Exploring Visual Elements	Demonstrate and discuss the use of shapes (triangles, circles—representing sun and mountains), colours (warm reds, oranges), and textures (rough/smooth). Use examples from Māori art patterns.	Students identify and name shapes and colours they will use; can explain one texture they want to add to work.	Provide templates or stencils for students needing fine motor support.	Challenge advanced learners to incorporate Māori motifs/kōwhaiwhai design elements.
60 min	Creating Artworks	Students create their representation of Maui and the Sun using collage, coloured paper, paint, and natural materials (e.g., sand for texture). Encourage experimentation and personal expression.	Artworks show connection to story through imagery, choice of colours, or textures. Students can describe their art and connection to the story.	Support with peer buddy system and adjustable materials for diverse learning needs.	Invite learners to create 3D elements or use digital apps for art creation.
20 min	Gallery Walk and Peer Sharing	Display artworks around the room. Students walk around, observe, and respectfully comment on peers’ work, focusing on story connection and art techniques.	Use sentence starters such as “I like how you used...” or “Your artwork reminds me of...”.	Use smaller group discussions for learners needing social support or alternative verbalisation.	Advanced learners lead the gallery walk and facilitate feedback sessions.
15 min	Reflection and Story Connection	Whole class discussion: What did you learn about Maui? How did this story help you think about the sun and the world? Write or draw reflections in journals.	Students express personal insights or feelings about the story and artwork.	Provide sentence starters or drawing options for emerging writers.	Encourage deeper cultural inquiry: research other Māori legends involving natural elements.
40 min	Extension: Collaborative Sun Mural	Collect key visuals from individual artworks to collaboratively create a large mural representing Maui’s capture of the sun. Use collective decision-making.	Participation in putting ideas together; ability to explain their part in the mural.	Provide roles suited to strengths (cutting, pasting, arranging).	Invite advanced learners to help plan the mural layout and lead small groups.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation of participation, use of art elements, engagement in story retellings and discussions.
• Summative: Completed artwork showing understanding of Maui and the Sun story and effective use of visual elements and techniques.
• Reflection journal entries to assess ability to connect story, culture, and personal response.

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Resources

• Story summary of Maui and the Sun
• Art supplies: coloured paper, glue, paint, natural textures (sand, fabric pieces)
• Visual examples of Māori art patterns
• Journals or drawing paper for reflection

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Notes for Teachers

• Allow flexibility for students new to English or art; scaffold language and art skills generously.
• Connect lessons to local iwi and communities where possible for deeper cultural safety and relevance.
• Use te reo Māori terms frequently to normalise the language and enhance cultural understanding.
• Encourage creativity: there is no “right” way to depict the story; focus on the narrative connection and expression.

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By weaving Maui and the Sun into visual arts, students achieve rich cultural understanding while developing foundational artistic skills aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum learning area of The Arts, and key competencies like Thinking and Using language, symbols, and texts .