Waitā and the Sea

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Overview

Lesson Title: Waitā: The Star of the Sea
Unit: Matariki Star Stories (Lesson 2 of 3)
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Level: Year 1 (Ages 5–6)
Students: 15
Curriculum Area: English – Level 1 (Aligned with Te Whāriki and NZ Curriculum)
Focus Strands:

• Speaking, Writing, and Presenting
• Listening, Reading, and Viewing
  Literacy Focus: Developing vocabulary, sentence structure, and oral storytelling
  Integrated Values: Tikanga Māori knowledge of Matariki, connecting to the natural world (Tangaroa, Waitā)

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Learning Intentions

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

✅ Listen to a story about the Matariki star Waitā
✅ Identify and name a sea creature or seaside experience
✅ Say and write simple sentences to describe their chosen sea creature or memory
✅ Begin to understand how stories can connect to culture and nature

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Key Competencies

• Thinking: Making connections between the story and their personal experiences
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Expressing ideas through drawing and simple sentences
• Relating to others: Listening to peers and taking turns sharing
• Participating and contributing: Sharing personal stories within a group setting

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Resources Needed

• Large print-out or digital display of the Waitā star illustration (use star cluster visuals if desired)
• Teacher-written story or adapted version of a Waitā legend (short, age-appropriate)
• Sea-themed visuals (photos of sea creatures, beach scenes)
• Paper, pencils, crayons or coloured pencils
• Sentence starter templates (e.g., "My favourite sea creature is...", "I love the sea because...")
• Star stickers for "Wow Work" wall
• Soft floor seating with cushions/mat for storytelling

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Lesson Breakdown

⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes

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🌀 1. Welcome and Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher Action:

• Begin with students seated in a circle on the mat. Greet them with:

  “Tēnā koutou tamariki mā—today, we are going on a journey to the sea, guided by a special Matariki star called Waitā!”

• Brief recap of previous lesson (Lesson 1, introduction to Matariki):

  “Last time, we learned about the stars and how each one has a special job in the sky. Today we meet Waitā, who watches over the moana—the sea!”

Warm-Up Movement:

• Ask children to imagine they are sea creatures.
• Call out actions: “Swim like a fish!” “Pinch like a crab!” “Glide like a stingray!”

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📖 2. Storytime – Waitā and the Sea (8 minutes)

Storytelling Focus:
A simple original tale or adaptation of a legend about Waitā, the sea, and its creatures (suggestion below).

Example Summary:

Waitā looks down from the sky each night to see how the sea is. One day, she notices the water shining extra brightly. Down below, ngā ika (the fish) are dancing. The dolphins are leaping, and the whales are singing. It's a special day in the sea! Waitā smiles, knowing the water is alive and well.

Teacher Note: Use expressive gestures and voices. Pause to ask questions:

• “What animals might Waitā see in the ocean?”
• “Has anyone been to the beach before?”

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🎨 3. Sea Creature Sharing & Drawing (10 minutes)

Activity Steps:

1. Discuss Favourites (2 min):
   Ask: "What is your favourite sea animal?" or "What do you like to do near the sea?"
   Brainstorm with the whole group – use pictures to support ideas.

2. Drawing (5 min):
   Students sit at tables and draw their chosen sea animal or beach memory.
   Encourage use of sea-themed colours (blues, greens, yellows).

3. Sentence Starter (3 min):
   Provide a simple sentence prompt on slips of paper:

   “My favourite sea creature is…”
   “I love the sea because…”
   Support students to say their sentence aloud. Teacher or teacher aide helps write the sentence if needed.

   🟡 For developing writers: Teacher scribes the sentence and has the student trace their name
   🔵 For early writers: Children write final word or copy sentence independently

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📢 4. Group Sharing / Oral Language (5 minutes)

Whole Group Circle:
Students bring their drawing back to the mat and share with the group.
Use a glittery "taonga stone" as a speaking object—only the person holding it may share.
Prompt with questions:

• “What did you draw?”
• “What’s something cool about that sea creature?”

Applaud each sharing with a “ka pai!” and give each student a star sticker for participation.

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💭 5. Closure and Reflection (2 minutes)

Circle back to the story of Waitā. Ask:

“How do you think Waitā felt when she saw the sea dancing?”
“Why do we look after the sea and its creatures?”

Link lesson to the big idea about Matariki and connection to the environment.

Teacher summarises:

“Waitā helps remind us how special the sea is. Your stories and sea creatures show that the moana is full of wonder!”

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Extensions & Differentiation

🖍️ For early finishers: Sea creature name tracing sheet or building sea creatures with blocks/MODs
📘 Te Reo Māori Extension: Introduce sea animal names or greetings from the ocean (e.g., "He ika tēnei!" – "This is a fish!")

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe students engaging with oral language (speaking in full sentences, listening respectfully)
• Assess ability to make personal connections to the sea through drawing and sentence work
• Take photos or collect work samples for learning journals and reflection folders

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Teacher Reflection Prompt

After the lesson, reflect:

• Did students make meaningful connections between the story of Waitā and their lives?
• Were students able to express their ideas through drawing and oral language?
• How can I scaffold sentence writing more next time?

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Connected Curriculum Links

• Science – Level 1: Living World – Recognising sea animals and habitats
• Social Sciences – Level 1: Understanding daily life and practices of people (such as Matariki traditions)
• Health and PE – Level 1: Developing confidence and sense of belonging through sharing stories

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Looking Ahead

Next Lesson (Lesson 3):

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi – Wishes and Dreams
Students will make a wish star to hang in the classroom and write sentences about a hope or goal they have, inspired by Matariki's star of aspiration.

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Ka pai tō mahi, kaiako mā!
Mauri ora – you are empowering your ākonga to learn through culture, creativity, and connection.