Matariki Stars: Creative Patterns Year 1
An 8-Week Art Journey Celebrating Ngā Whetū with Koru Patterns Te Reo Māori Integration
Programme Overview
8 weeks of creative exploration Focus on Matariki (ngā whetū) and koru patterns Age-appropriate for Year 1 (20 students) 30-minute lessons with hands-on activities Cultural context and te reo Māori integration
Curriculum Alignment
Visual Arts Level 1 - NZ Curriculum Develop ideas through imagination and creativity Use materials with control and coordination Share ideas through art forms Explore Māori symbols and cultural contexts
Weeks 1-4: Foundation Skills
{"left":"Week 1: Introduction to Matariki & Koru Shapes\nWeek 2: Koru Patterns with Paint","right":"Week 3: Colour Blending - Night Sky Hues\nWeek 4: Layering Koru on Night Sky"}
Week 3 Detailed Lesson: Colour Blending
Hands-On Learning Activities
Storytelling about Matariki stars Brush stroke technique demonstrations Sponge painting for colour blending Paper rolling for 3D koru shapes Mirror work for symmetry exploration
Weeks 5-8: Advanced Techniques
Week 5: Paper Koru Crafts - Rolling and Repeating Week 6: Star Patterns and Symmetry Week 7: Collaborative Matariki Mural Week 8: Reflect and Share - Storytelling & Display
Cultural Integration
"Incorporating te reo Māori vocabulary throughout - ngā whetū (stars), koru (spiral), Matariki - while encouraging creative interpretation and acknowledging each child's unique expression."
Assessment Strategies
Ongoing observation of skill development Participation in cultural discussions Ability to replicate koru patterns Colour blending technique mastery Collaborative work contributions Verbal sharing using te reo Māori vocabulary
Materials and Resources
Paint (blue, purple, black, white) Brushes, sponges, and dabbers Paper (various sizes for different activities) Coloured paper strips for 3D work Mirrors for symmetry exploration Matariki star images and cultural resources
Reflection Questions
How do the koru patterns connect to the Matariki stars? What colours did you discover when blending paint? How does working together help create our mural? What te reo Māori words can you remember and use?
Program Outcomes
Students develop fine motor skills through varied art techniques Cultural awareness and respect for Māori heritage Confidence in using te reo Māori vocabulary Collaborative skills through group mural project Creative expression and individual artistic voice Connection between art, culture, and storytelling