Star Meanings

Overview

This is lesson 3 of 20 in the unit Matariki Reading and Writing. Students reread a shared text about the nine stars of Matariki, connect each star with its meaning, and explain one connection orally or through a picture. The lesson builds vocabulary, comprehension, oral language, and confidence in using information from a text.

Learning intentions

• WALT connect each of the nine stars with its meaning.
• WALT use words and pictures to show our understanding of a text.
• WALT listen, think, and work cooperatively with others.
• WALT explain one star-and-meaning connection in a sentence or picture.

Success criteria

• I can match all nine stars to their meanings.
• I can talk about one connection using a clear sentence.
• I can draw a picture that shows one star’s meaning.
• I can listen to my partner and take turns.

Curriculum links

• English — Reading: using phonics and morpheme knowledge to read high-frequency and less regular words.
• English — Reading comprehension: reading and holding meaning within longer sentences and across sentences.
• English — Writing: rereading and making simple corrections when meaning or grammar is unclear.
• Key competencies: Thinking; relating to others.

Lesson structure (60 minutes)

1. 0–10 min · Shared reread. Display the shared Matariki text and open the hook and shared-reading slides. Reread the text aloud, pausing to decode names and key vocabulary; students join in, track the words, and recall what each star helps us notice.

Briefly introduce or revisit the nine meanings:

• Matariki — health and wellbeing
• Pōhutukawa — those who have passed on
• Tupuānuku — food grown in the ground
• Tupuārangi — food from the sky
• Waitī — freshwater food
• Waitā — saltwater food
• Waipunārangi — rain
• Ururangi — wind
• Hiwa-i-te-rangi — dreams and wishes

Explain that meanings may be represented through people, places, food, weather, and hopes. Acknowledge local iwi knowledge and invite students to use the meanings taught in their class text.

2. 10–25 min · Teacher modelling. Use the star-and-meaning modelling slides and the uploaded star circle, meaning cards, and picture cards. Think aloud: “I see Waitā. I remember that tā is connected with the sea in our learning, so I will look for the meaning about saltwater food.” Model checking the text and matching the card. Then model an oral explanation: “Waitā connects with saltwater food because fish and shellfish can live in the sea.”

Show that students can explain a connection with words or a drawing. Model using the sentence frame, “_____ connects with _____ because _____.” Point out that it is acceptable to use the text, pictures, gestures, or a partner’s idea to help remember.

3. 25–45 min · Cooperative matching. Place students in ten mixed-ability pairs, with one pair working with the teacher if needed. Give each pair a star circle and a set of meaning and picture cards. Students sort and match all nine stars, reading or repeating the names, discussing clues, and checking their choices against the shared text. Refer back to the matching-task instruction slide for the steps: read the star name, find the meaning, choose a picture clue, and explain the match to a partner.

Circulate and take anecdotal notes. Ask: “What helped you decide?” “Where could we check?” “Does this meaning make sense with the picture?” Do not require students to memorise spellings; support them to recognise, say, and connect the words.

4. 45–55 min · Oral explanations. Invite pairs to share one match. Each student explains one connection using the frame, “_____ connects with _____ because _____,” or creates a quick picture showing the connection on the star connection recording sheet. Partners listen and respond with, “I agree because…” or “I noticed…”. Display the oral-explanation and sentence-frame slide while students share.

5. 55–60 min · Formative check and close. Return to the final review slide showing the nine stars without meanings. Hold up or name a meaning and ask students to point to, say, or quietly show the matching star. Ask each student to complete one quick check on the recording sheet: draw or tell an adult one star-and-meaning connection. Revisit the success criteria and celebrate careful thinking, listening, and teamwork.

Resources

• the Matariki shared-reading and activity slide deck
• the star connection recording sheet
• Uploaded star circle
• Meaning cards
• Picture cards
• Shared Matariki reading text
• Whiteboard and markers
• Pencils, crayons, and blu tack

Assessment

• During the reread, listen for accurate decoding or supported recognition of star names and key vocabulary.
• During matching, record whether each pair connects the nine stars and meanings accurately, and note use of text or picture clues.
• During the oral explanation or drawing, check whether each student can communicate one meaningful connection; use this to plan review or further reading support.

Differentiation

• Support learners with concrete images, gestures, repeated oral rehearsal, enlarged cards, and the sentence frame “_____ connects with _____ because _____.”
• Pair students strategically so that confident readers can model without taking over; allow students to point, draw, act, or dictate an explanation.
• For students learning English, pronounce names slowly, provide repeated listening opportunities, and accept home-language discussion before sharing in English.
• For learners needing additional support, work with fewer cards first, then add cards as confidence grows. Avoid treating Māori names as phonics words to be sounded out inaccurately; model respectful pronunciation and allow oral repetition.

Extension

• Students write a “because” sentence for three stars, using the text or picture cards to check their ideas.
• Students choose one star and draw a detailed scene showing its meaning, then explain how two details in the picture communicate the connection.