Ngā Tohu o Matariki

Akoranga Focus

This is Lesson 2 of 4 in the unit "Matariki: Navigating Our Stars" for Years 10-11 tauira (students).

Lesson Title: Ngā Tohu o Matariki: Star Names and Their Stories Duration: 45 minutes Class size: 15 students Subject: Te Reo Māori Curriculum Reference: Te Marautanga o Aotearoa (The Māori-medium curriculum framework)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, tauira will be able to:

Whakamārama (Explain) the names of the stars in the Matariki cluster and their significance.
Whakapuaki (Express) the stories connected to each star, linking these to Māori worldview and culture.
Whakaatu (Demonstrate) understanding through creative representation of stars and stories.
Whakawhanake (Develop) competencies in using te reo Māori with confidence and context-related vocabulary.

Alignment with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa

Learning Area: Pāngarau me te Pūtaiao (Science and Mathematics combined with Māori knowledge) – using astronomical knowledge embedded in mātauranga Māori.
Key Competencies:
Whakaaro (Thinking): Students use creative and critical thinking to explore and interpret star stories.
Te Reo, Ngā Tohu me ngā Kupu (Using language, symbols, and texts): Tāuke kōrero (interpreting and creating oral and visual texts in te reo Māori).
Whakahaere i a au anō (Managing Self): Students set personal goals, managing time and tasks during creative activities.
Whakawhanaungatanga (Relating to Others): Collaborative sharing of star stories and teamwork during creative work.
Progress Outcome Phase 4 (Years 9-10):
"Having a purpose and being empathetic and resilient" in learning contexts, including cultural knowledge and expression through te reo.
Students engage in tasks that develop language skills alongside cultural understanding.

Materials Needed

Printed star charts showing Matariki and individual stars’ names
Art supplies: paper, coloured pencils, paints, or digital tablets if available
Story summaries of each star linked to Māori myths and cultural knowledge
Whiteboard/blackboard and markers
Te Reo Māori star name flashcards (optional)

Lesson Outline

1. Whakawhitinga kōrero / Introduction (8 minutes)

Karakia to open the lesson, acknowledging Matariki as a significant event in the Māori calendar.
Recap from Lesson 1 on what Matariki is and its importance.
Teacher introduces the cluster of stars that form Matariki using a star chart visual.
Explain that today’s lesson focuses on names of individual stars and their unique stories.

Teaching Tip: Use te reo Māori as the main language, encouraging students to listen and pick up new vocabulary linked to star names and cultural concepts.

2. Whakaakoranga matua / Main Teaching and Exploration (15 minutes)

Introduce each star’s name in the Matariki cluster (e.g., Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Ururangi).
Share the stories or symbolic meanings of each star briefly, e.g.:
Matariki: The main cluster and marker of the New Year.
Pōhutukawa: Associated with those who have passed on, connection to ancestors.
Waitī and Waitā: Related to fresh and saltwater, linking to fishing and cultivation.
Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi: Connected to growth of plants and food resources.
Ururangi: The wind, weather, and environmental elements.
Use interactive questioning to engage students: "Kei whea te whetū Matariki i te rākau Pōhutukawa?” (Where is the Matariki star near the Pōhutukawa tree?).

Teaching Tip: Reinforce correct pronunciation and meanings; encourage students to use describing words in te reo for stars.

3. Mahi Auaha / Creative Activity (15 minutes)

Each tauira chooses one Matariki star and creates an artistic representation that illustrates their understanding of its name and story.
Options include drawing, painting, or using words and symbols to express meaning.
Teacher circulates, offering feedback and vocab support in te reo Māori.

Encouragement: Model how to describe each star with te reo Māori phrases and culturally appropriate symbolism (e.g., colours, shapes). Promote collaboration and sharing ideas.

4. Whakapuaki me te Whakatauira / Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

Students present their work briefly in te reo Māori — a sentence or two about their star and its story.
Encourage peer feedback using key phrases taught during the lesson.
Teacher summarises the cultural importance of each star and its relevance today.

Assessment

Formative assessment through:

Observation of participation in discussion and questioning.
Evaluation of creative work for evidence of understanding star names and stories.
Oral presentations for correct use of te reo Māori vocabulary and expression.
Self-reflection or peer feedback on learning experience, using simple te reo Māori phrases.

Te Whakarāpopoto | Summary

This lesson embraces Te Marautanga o Aotearoa’s principles by integrating mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), reo Māori usage, and cultural storytelling into a creative learning context. Students deepen their understanding of Matariki stars through language acquisition, critical thinking, and artistic expression, developing key competencies in meaningful, culturally grounded ways.

Practical Notes for Teachers

Scaffold vocabulary and provide visual and audio supports where needed.
Allow flexibility for students who wish to explore deeper storytelling or create digital representations.
Incorporate strategies to support all learners, including those with additional learning needs.

If you want, I can also help draft exemplar phrases in te reo Māori for students or suggest linking the star stories with local iwi narratives to deepen place-based learning.

This detailed, culturally responsive lesson is aligned with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa frameworks and ready to impress in any kura or Māori immersion context.

Ngā mihi nui for nurturing our young Māori learners through the stars of Matariki!

If you want me to generate further resources such as student handouts, waiata, or assessment rubrics aligned to this lesson, just ask!

Teaching Instructions