Unit Context

This is lesson 2 of 4 in the unit "Matariki Art Explorations", designed for Year 2 students in New Zealand. The focus is on exploring Māori art forms through introduction, discussion, and hands-on design activities inspired by traditional Māori weaving, carving, and painting.

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Learning Objectives

Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and Māori perspectives:

• Science / Technology / Social Sciences integration:

  • Understand how traditional Māori art forms are connected to Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and environmental resources.
  • Explore patterns and symbols in natural and crafted objects.

• Visual Arts integration (linked to Social Sciences and Science):

  • Identify and describe common Māori symbols and patterns used in art.
  • Create original visual designs inspired by Māori art, using simple weaving, carving motifs, or painting patterns.

• Key Competencies:

  • Participating and contributing – share ideas and respect Māori cultural expressions.
  • Thinking – recognise and experiment with patterns and symbols.
  • Using language, symbols, and texts – talk about Māori art symbols and their meanings.

• Curriculum references:

  • The Arts: Visual Arts Levels 1 and 2 – Exploring art objects and contexts, recognising patterns, using materials and processes to create artworks inspired by ideas and cultural identity.
  • Social Sciences: Understanding how people in New Zealand express their culture and symbolise identities.
  • Science Learning Area – Experience and explore how natural materials relate to Māori art (e.g., flax for weaving).
  • The curriculum stresses bicultural awareness and understanding Tikanga Māori.

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Achievement Objectives (New Zealand Curriculum)

• The Arts, Level 1 Achievement Objectives:

  • Develop understanding of the use of symbols and patterns in different cultural arts.
  • Use a variety of materials, techniques, and processes to communicate their ideas about culture.

• Social Sciences, Level 1-2:

  • Recognise how cultural symbols express identity and community.

• Science / Technology:

  • Explore natural materials and resources traditionally used in Māori art.

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Lesson Duration

60 minutes
Class size: 15 students
Year level: Year 2

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Lesson Plan: Exploring Māori Art Forms

Materials Needed

• Images and examples of Māori weaving, carving, and painting (printouts or via device)
• Natural materials for weaving samples (e.g., flax strips / paper strips)
• Simple carving motif templates (outline drawings)
• Paints, markers, coloured pencils
• Plain paper for designing patterns
• Pencils and erasers

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

• Start with a whakataukī (proverb) related to creativity or Matariki (e.g., "He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata." – What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people).
• Show visual examples of Māori art forms: weaving, carving, and painting.
• Point out common Māori patterns (e.g., koru, kōwhaiwhai, pātiki – flounder shape).
• Ask open questions:
  • What shapes and colours do you notice?
  • What do you think these patterns might represent?
  • Have you seen these designs before anywhere?

Curriculum links: Use visual language and symbols to connect to students' experiences, developing oral language and cultural awareness .

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2. Group Discussion and Symbol Exploration (10 minutes)

• Discuss meanings behind the symbols: growth, family, nature, community.
• Use simple language and support with visuals.
• Introduce basic weaving concept (interlacing strips), carving shapes (repetition of triangles, arches), and painting patterns (repeating motifs like spirals).
• Encourage students to share their ideas and observations.

Curriculum links: Encourage verbal reasoning and understanding of cultural content, supporting Competencies – Participating and Contributing, and Using Language, Symbols and Texts .

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3. Hands-on Activity: Creating Māori-Inspired Designs (30 minutes)

Option A: Simple Paper Weaving

• Provide strips of coloured paper to weave a small mat or bookmark pattern.
• Demonstrate how strips go over and under.

Option B: Designing Carving Patterns

• Give templates of simple shapes characteristic of Māori carving.
• Students can colour or draw repeating patterns inspired by these motifs.

Option C: Painting Māori Patterns

• Students create their own painting or drawing using koru, spirals, and other shapes.
• Emphasise repeating patterns and symmetry.

Ensure students are encouraged to explore and be creative, respecting traditional patterns but allowing personal expression.

Curriculum links: Visual Arts; applying materials and techniques; exploring patterns and symbols; expressing identity and ideas .

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4. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Have students briefly share their creations.
• Discuss what symbols they included and what their design means to them.
• Reflect on how Māori art connects people and culture.
• Summarise key learnings about patterns, symbols, and cultural stories.

Curriculum links: Reflecting on learning, using vocabulary and reasoning; fostering respect for culture; Participating and Contributing competency .

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Assessment Ideas

• Observation and anecdotal notes on student engagement and understanding during discussions and activities.
• Check for recognition and use of Māori art symbols in their work.
• Listen for appropriate language use related to patterns, symbols, and cultural meanings.
• Use simple checklists for creativity, effort, and participation respecting Māori art forms.

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Teacher Notes / Tips

• Use te reo Māori terms throughout (e.g., whāriki for mat, koru for spiral).
• Connect art to nature and environment as a cross-curricular link.
• Encourage cultural respect and appreciation.
• Adjust activity complexity to student ability, providing scaffolds as needed.

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This lesson plan provides a culturally rich, engaging, and age-appropriate experience introducing Year 2 students to Māori art forms within the structure of the New Zealand Curriculum, emphasising bicultural understanding and creativity in a hands-on environment.

If you want, I can also draft a template handout or resources list for this lesson!