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.

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.

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.

Lesson Duration

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

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

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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.

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.

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!

Māori Art Patterns