Stars of Matariki

Curriculum Context

Learning Area: The Arts – Visual Arts
Curriculum Level: Level 3 (appropriate for Year 6 students)
Duration: 50 minutes
Class Size: 49 students

Achievement Objective (Visual Arts):
Students will investigate visual ideas in response to a variety of motivations, observe and describe ways in which ideas and art-making processes are used to communicate meaning, and develop and revisit visual ideas, in response to Matariki as a cultural narrative.

Learning Intention

We are learning to:
Create a visual artwork that expresses one aspect of Matariki using symbolism and imagery inspired by both traditional Māori design and contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand art.

Success Criteria:

• I can explain what Matariki means and name several stars in the cluster.
• I can use symbols and patterns to show ideas about Matariki.
• I can reflect my own identity and understanding through my artwork.

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Lesson Focus:

Title: “He Whetū kei tōku Ringa” – A Star in My Hand
(Students create a mixed media “star” expressing a chosen Matariki value/star meaning through drawing and collage.)

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Materials

• Printed star templates (variety of 4–5 types inspired by tukutuku patterns, ngā taonga)
• A3 white or black cartridge paper
• Colouring materials: pastels, coloured pencils, watercolours
• Glue sticks
• Pre-cut shapes from magazines, newspapers, harakeke patterns, kraft paper
• Access to images or printed examples of Matariki and traditional Māori designs
• "Feelings & Themes" word prompt cards (e.g. remembering loved ones, hope, growth, community)
• Background music: taonga pūoro or Matariki-inspired soundscape (optional)

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Lesson Breakdown

⏱ 0–5 MINUTES — Whakawhanaungatanga | Connection & Purpose

• Brief karakia/kīnaki to open mahi toi session
• Teacher welcomes students and introduces the theme: Matariki – a time of renewal, reflection, unity.
• Use of key Te Reo Māori terms: Matariki, whetū, whānau, mātauranga, toi

Prompt question to students:
What does Matariki mean to you or your whānau?

Facilitate a brief classroom kōrero encouraging all voices – in pairs, then share as class.

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⏱ 5–15 MINUTES — Ako | The Story of the Stars

• Use visuals to introduce the nine stars of Matariki (physical posters or printed images).
• Share a short story or pūrākau of Matariki’s origins (retell oral tradition or adapt a picture book summary).
• Explain the meanings of a few key stars (focus on age-appropriate ones):
  • Tupuānuku – food grown in the ground
  • Tupuārangi – food from the sky
  • Waitī – fresh water
  • Waitā – salt water
  • Hiwa-i-te-rangi – the wishing star

Teacher Tip: Use hand actions or simple visuals to anchor each star’s meaning for recall.

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⏱ 15–20 MINUTES — Wānanga | Planning Visual Expression

• Students choose one star they connect with – what it represents or its value.
• Hand out prompt cards if needed to help students connect to emotions, challenges, or whānau stories (e.g. “I miss someone”, “I love being in nature”, “I hope to do something new”).

Students respond to:
“What star matches how I feel or a hope I have? What image or colour shows that feeling?”

Quick plan in visual diaries or scrap paper:

• Sketch their chosen star shape
• Choose at least two symbols or patterns (e.g. koru for growth, wave lines, stars, birds) to include
• Choose a colour theme for emotional impact

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⏱ 20–40 MINUTES — Mahinga Toi | Creating Artworks

• Students create their individual artwork inspired by Matariki:
  • Use star templates to trace or design their own
  • Add colours, textures, and symbols using mixed media
  • Glue collage materials to reflect the value or mood of their chosen star
  • Encourage story-telling through visual choices – students narrate aloud if willing as they work
• Teacher roams and scaffolds – help with ideas, language, or detail refinement

Grouping Tip:
Break class into two groups of approx. 24–25 (space management) – alternate between full material access and sketching area.

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⏱ 40–50 MINUTES — Tātaritanga | Reflection & Sharing

• Students place finished stars with name tags on a whole-class 'Matariki Galaxy Wall' display

• Invite 5–6 volunteers to tautoko their work aloud:

  • What star did they choose and why?
  • What do their visual choices represent?

• Class reflection as a circle wrap-up:
  “What did you learn about Matariki or about yourself today?”
  Include Te Reo Māori responses if encouraged (e.g. “I ako about…”)

Optional Closing: Play a short taonga pūoro piece or student-led karakia to honour the mahi.

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Differentiation

• For diverse learners:

  • Provide bilingual labels for Matariki star names and their meanings
  • Allow verbal descriptions in small groups for those who prefer oral expression
  • Offer pre-cut options and templates for neurodiverse students

• Extension:

  • Students can write a short poetical reflection for their artwork
  • Paint or dye the background display with whānau groupings aligning star meanings close together

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Assessment for Learning

Formative observation during lesson:
Teacher uses questioning and guided discussion to assess:

• Understanding of Matariki and its cultural significance
• Ability to convey meaning visually using symbols and colour
• Depth of reflection during sharing

Artefact collection:
Keep artwork and accompanying Matariki reflection for student portfolios.

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Teacher Notes

This activity integrates:

• Mātauranga Māori
• Student identity and voice
• Key competencies (Thinking, Relating to others, Participating and contributing)
• Cross-curricular links to Te Reo Māori, Literacy (narrative), and Social Sciences (cultural heritage)

Use this session as part of a longer Matariki focus week – expand into performance, storytelling, or whānau-invited celebration.

Let the stars guide the learning — illuminate not just the night sky, but the minds of your ākonga. Mā te toi te reo Māori e whanake!