Matariki: Five Days of Learning
Māori New Year Vocabulary Journey Year 6 Social Studies Exploring Culture and Language
Day 1: What is Matariki?
Matariki = Māori New Year Occurs in mid-winter (June/July) Time for reflection and new beginnings Celebrates the rising of Matariki star cluster
Day 1 Activity: Star Vocabulary Match
Match Māori words to their English meanings Matariki = Eyes of God Whetu = Star Rangi = Sky Create your own vocabulary cards
Day 2: The Seven Stars
Each star has a special name and meaning Matariki = Mother star, health and wellbeing Pohutukawa = Connection to those who have died Waitī = Fresh water and food from water Waitā = Salt water and food from sea
Day 2: Star Names and Meanings
{"left":"Matariki - Health and wellbeing\nPohutukawa - Remembering loved ones\nWaitī - Fresh water sources\nWaitā - Ocean and sea life","right":"Waipuna-ā-rangi - Rainfall\nUrurangi - Winds and weather\nPōhutukawa - Connection to ancestors"}
Day 2 Activity: Create Your Star Story
Choose one Matariki star Write a short story about its meaning Include Māori vocabulary words Share with a partner Draw your star and its symbol
Day 3: Matariki Traditions
Hangi = Traditional earth oven cooking Whakatōhea = Gathering together Kai = Food sharing Whakapapa = Family connections Karakia = Prayers and blessings
Day 3 Discussion: Family Traditions
How does your family celebrate special times? What foods are important in your celebrations? Who do you gather with during special occasions? How are Matariki traditions similar to yours?
Day 4 Activity: Matariki Menu Planning
Design a Matariki feast menu Include traditional Māori foods Use new vocabulary words Kumara = Sweet potato Rewena = Māori bread Kina = Sea urchin Present your menu to the class
Day 5: Reflection and New Beginnings
Matariki is time for reflection on the past year Setting goals and hopes for the year ahead Honoring those who have passed away Celebrating what we have learned Planning for growth and improvement
Day 5 Final Activity: My Matariki Reflection
Complete your vocabulary journal Write three things you learned Set one goal for the coming year Share your favorite Māori word Create a class Matariki display
More Matariki slide decks
Other ready-to-teach decks on matariki.
Free Matariki images
Drop these illustrations straight into your lesson.
