Matariki celebrations

In team Awa we have been learning about Matariki.

Matariki is the name given to a group of seven sister stars, which is visible in the night sky at this time of the year signalling the Māori New Year. If you would like to know more abut Matariki you can watch one of the stories we have heard in class. This is just one of many Matariki stories. During buddy class some students heard legends about seven kites with sparkling eyes or about throwing paua shells into the sky. You might know of different Matariki legends you could share with your child.

After making stars with our buddy classes we learnt about the meaning behind some different Māori designs, which we used to decorate our oars. These will become a part of the whole school waka mural.

 

 We have also been using the stars of Matariki to work out sets within seven at maths time by covering the stars with two clouds to create different combinations. You can see some of the students' work below.