Unit #1: Matariki

Lesson 1 of 15 – Introduction to Matariki

---

📚 Curriculum Context

Learning Area: Social Sciences – Tikanga ā-Iwi
Curriculum Level: Level 1
Focus Strand: Identity, Culture, and Organisation
AO Link:

Students will understand that people have different roles and responsibilities as part of their participation in communities.

This lesson supports students' understanding of cultural practices and how these are celebrated and remembered within communities, particularly through the lens of the Māori New Year – Matariki.

---

🧠 Learning Intentions

• I am learning what Matariki is and why it is important in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• I can recognise that Matariki celebrates the Māori New Year.
• I can talk about one tradition or story connected to Matariki.

---

✅ Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Be able to describe Matariki as a special time of the year.
• Identify that Matariki is a cluster of stars and marks the Māori New Year.
• Retell one simple fact or tradition tied to Matariki (e.g., kai, whānau time, remembering loved ones).

---

⏰ Timeframe

Total duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 20 students

---

🪐 Learning Experience Breakdown

1. Karakia and Whakawhanaungatanga – 5 mins

Purpose: Create a culturally safe and inclusive space to signal the start of learning.

Teacher Action: Lead a short karakia and a quick check-in – “What’s something you’re excited to learn today?”
Student Action: Kaupapa-aligned greeting and settling in.

---

2. Matariki "Wonder Wall" – 7 mins

Purpose: Activate students’ prior knowledge.

Materials: Large sheet of paper or board space, markers.

Teacher Prompt:

• “What do you already know about Matariki?”
• “Have you ever celebrated Matariki?”

Student Action: Turn and talk to a peer first, then contribute one idea to the class Wonder Wall. Teacher scribes student thoughts on the display.

Extension Idea: Use cloud or star sticky notes for a more thematic display.

---

3. Storytime – ‘The Matariki Stars’ – 10 mins

Purpose: Build shared understanding through pūrākau (narrative) and visual storytelling.

Teacher Action: Read an age-appropriate story aloud, such as The Seven Kites of Matariki or Matariki Breakfast. Use voice and gesture to engage students. Alternatively, retell a traditional pūrākau of Matariki from your local iwi.

Student Action: Active listening followed by turn-and-talk: “What part did you like the most?” or “What is one thing you learned?”

Culturally Sustaining Practice: Reference the local iwi's understanding or names for the stars, if known.

---

4. Star Cluster Activity – 12 mins

Purpose: Provide a hands-on, meaningful way for tamariki to connect with Matariki.

Materials: Pre-cut star templates (7–9), crayons, glue, dark blue paper.

Teacher Prompt:

• “These stars represent the whētu (stars) of Matariki.”
• “We’re going to make our own little Matariki star cluster and write or draw something special on each star.”

Instructions:

1. Each student gets a sheet with 7 to 9 small stars.
2. On each star, they either draw or write (with help if needed) something important in their life – e.g., whānau, kai, pets, a happy memory.
3. Glue stars onto a blue paper in a cluster shape.

Differentiation: Support writing with sentence starters; adapt drawing task for diverse needs.

---

5. Sharing and Reflecting – 8 mins

Purpose: Reinforce the importance of voice and belonging.

Teacher Action: Invite students to share one star from their cluster with a classmate or small group. Offer a few students the chance to share to the whole class.

Prompt: “What star are you most proud of and why?”

---

6. Closing Karakia and Reflection – 3 mins

Purpose: Foster cultural safety and connection.

Teacher Action: Lead a short karakia to close the space and give thanks. Brief reflection question:

• “What’s one thing you learned that surprised you?”
• Responses can be in a talking circle or thumbs up/down depending on time and energy.

---

🧰 Differentiation and Inclusion

• ELs / ELLs: Use visuals, gestures, and shared reading to ensure conceptual understanding. Pair with peers.
• Neurodiverse Learners: Offer drawing in place of writing. Use sensory materials (felt, soft textures) for star-making.
• High Ability Learners: Encourage them to retell the pūrākau in their own words using drama or role play.

---

📌 Teacher Reflection Prompt (Post-Lesson)

• Did students connect socially and emotionally to the concepts of Matariki?
• Were they able to express understanding of at least one Matariki tradition or theme?
• What surprised you about the students’ prior knowledge or creative responses?

---

📦 Preparation & Resources

• Matariki storybook or oral story prepared in advance.
• Karakia (opening and closing) ready and printed or displayed.
• Pre-cut star templates & blue paper.
• Crayons, glue.
• Large paper for Wonder Wall.

---

🌟 Looking Ahead

Next Lesson (Lesson 2):
We will explore each of the nine stars of Matariki in more detail, focusing on what they represent. Next up: Waitī – The Star of Freshwater.

---

He wā whakamīharo tēnei ki te ako – This is a wonderful time to learn 🌌