Matariki from a tertiary teachers perspective
Is it all fun and games, celebrating Matariki, or is there more meaning to why we acknowledge it in our teaching curriculum?
Is it all fun and games, celebrating Matariki, or is there more meaning to why we acknowledge it in our teaching curriculum?
Growing up in a Pākehā family and in a schooling environment where Matariki practices were often not celebrated, Renee Hanrahan now holds a different perspective on Matariki.
As a teacher in training, Renee has learnt that culture is an important aspect of the teaching curriculum, as we should all be accepting of, and learn from, other cultures in our everyday lives. Teachers have an influential role during the Matariki season, as they have the opportunity to help educate their students about Matariki and the Māori culture.
Renee believes Matariki is an important celebration within New Zealand that should be implemented more in our school curriculum.
Celebrating students’ culture is important for Renee, as she aspires to include more Matariki teachings, when she has a class of her own. She wants to show that culture is important, not only for Māori learners but for everyone in the classroom.
Renee wants to create a learning environment, where everyone is able to acknowledge students cultures.
“It is important that all of New Zealand embraces Matariki and its traditions, especially as it is a part of our native language and we want to be able to foster this knowledge for our future generations.”
New Zealand is a diverse country, full of many cultures, ethnicities, and languages. Our diversity is what makes New Zealand unique. It is important that within our school curriculum, teachers show the importance of culture, making sure children grow up with the understanding and acceptance of others differences.
