Exploring Matariki: Aotearoa's Māori New Year

Exploring Matariki: Aotearoa's Māori New Year

Year 3-4 NZ History Understanding Māori Culture and Traditions 45-minute lesson

What is Matariki?

Matariki means 'eyes of god' in te reo Māori A cluster of stars also called the Seven Sisters Marks the beginning of the Māori New Year Time for reflection, remembrance, and new beginnings

Think and Share

What do you already know about Matariki? Have you ever celebrated Matariki before? What questions do you have about this special time?

Learning Objectives

Understand why Matariki is significant in Māori culture Learn about key events and practices during Matariki Work together to create a timeline poster Use te reo Māori words correctly Share our learning with others

Curriculum Links

Social Sciences - Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Understanding events, causes and effects Recognising Māori cultural practices Key competencies: Thinking, Communication, Collaboration

Inquiry and Research Time

Work in groups of 6 students Explore Matariki resources and images Find key events and cultural practices Use Māori vocabulary cards to learn new words

Matariki Cultural Timeline

Timeline Poster Construction

Create a large timeline poster with your group Include images, drawings, and Māori vocabulary Show the sequence of Matariki events Add creative elements like Māori patterns Practice explaining your timeline to others

Key Te Reo Māori Words

Matariki - the star cluster and Māori New Year Tikanga - customs and traditions Whānau - family and extended family Kai - food Puanga - another important star for some iwi

Presentation Time

Each group presents their timeline poster Explain key events and cultural meanings Ask questions about other groups' work Give positive feedback to classmates

Reflection

What is one new thing you learned about Matariki today? Why do you think Matariki is important to Māori people and all New Zealanders?

Summary and Assessment

We explored the significance of Matariki in Māori culture Created timeline posters showing key events and practices Learned important te reo Māori vocabulary Developed collaboration and presentation skills Connected with New Zealand's cultural heritage