Staff at Wairakei Primary School undertake PLD (Professional Learning and Development) in a range of areas at weekly staff meetings. Teaching and learning through Digital Technologies (DT) is a school-wide target and facilitator Stephen Ross, from Te Whai Toi Tangata, is supporting us to implement this curriculum in classrooms. Staff members are subsequently developing their own digital fluency.
Our video is a snapshot of activities that were created by the classroom teachers at Wairakei Primary School during Matariki celebrations.
The junior school (Year 1-2 ) students explain their understanding of Matariki and how it was celebrated within the school. Riley shared his Pepeha very confidently. McKenzie talked about the stars that her class had created to showcase their repeating patterns. Emma, Jake and Lilee talked about new words they have learnt in Māori and what they have been learning about during this period.
The middle school (Year 3-4) students talked about what they enjoyed about Matariki celebrations. Victoria explained that weaving was her favourite activity and also watching other children in her class come up with creative designs. Zoe and Scarlet presented their myth and legend about Maui and the Sun and wanted to continue telling this story so that it does not get forgotten. Finally, Isobel and Amelia presented their waiata and actions about the seven sisters of Matariki.
Our senior school (Year 5-6) student Ciana and expressed her enjoyment of doing specific artwork in her classroom. Tori and Madison talked about researching Matariki and finding out that some stories talk about 7 stars and some talk about 9 stars. Mikayla and Malia explained that they enjoyed making Māori bread, weaving stars out of harakeke (flax) and reading Matariki stories.
The activities that were displayed in the classrooms covered a range of curriculum areas such as Matariki maths to weaving with harakeke.
Celebrating Matariki provides another opportunity for the school to exhibit its commitment in providing opportunities for students to experience Te Reo and Māori tikanga.
Keywords: Te Reo Māori, New Zealand Curriculum, Matariki, Student Voice.
Attributed to: Margo Clark, Wairakei Primary School teachers.
Curriculum links: Te Reo Māori, Literacy, Visual Arts,
Key competencies: Managing self, Participating and contributing.