Inspiration from Te Ao Māori
By learning about two important figures in Māori mythology that were then sketched:
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Tiki, who represents the first man
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Manaia, a kaitiaki (guardian) who is often represented as a mix of bird, man, and fishtail
To help with proportions while sketching, Rheon and Eliya folded their paper into thirds, a great strategy for balanced design.
We folded the paper into three pieces so we knew where to put the shapes.
I drew my design four times to get it right. It did make it easier to have the three squares for the right size.
Designing with Intention
After refining initial pencil sketches, designs were outlined using chalk. Theo then shared his knowledge of warm and cool colours, which helped Jack and Winter decide how they wanted their artwork to look. Flo chose a cool coloured tiki with a warm background while Taya chose the opposite combination with her design. Hugo made thoughtful choices to express mood and meaning through colour.
It wasn’t a hard challenge. The colouring was easy to understand.
The Magic of Chalk and Dye
Black dye was applied over the whole design. The dye soaked into the chalk but slid off the waxy crayon, creating bold outlines around each design.
Linaya’s careful colouring paid off with an outstanding result. Liam, Flo, Libby and Abbie were proud to show off their final results.
The Science Behind the Art
This project wasn’t just about being creative - it also enabled understanding of some simple science:
Crayons are made of wax, which is oily and waterproof. This means water (and dye) won’t soak into crayoned areas. The dye is water-based. When mixed with chalk and brushed over the drawing, it only sticks to the paper and chalk, not the crayon.
This resistance effect creates striking lines that highlight the crayon drawings and make them stand out beautifully.
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu - Adorn the bird with feathers so it may soar.
Every child deserves to be part of a classroom where curiosity and creativity thrive. In this space, students are encouraged to explore, take risks, and grow alongside their peers, all within an environment of respect and support.
Having spent the first six years of my teaching career in Manurewa, South Auckland, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a community can be in shaping a child’s learning journey. Returning to the familiar surroundings of Taupō, I now have the privilege of being part of Wairakei Primary School. The warm welcome from the staff, students, whānau, and wider school community is a daily reminder of the importance of connection in education.
As a teacher, maintaining a seamless learning experience for students is key. Together with my colleagues, we ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to flourish.
When not in the classroom, you’ll find me spending time with my friends and whānau, exploring new foods or reading.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that students should develop both the confidence and resilience to succeed, empowering students to reach their fullest potential.
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