Matariki in the classroom

Matariki in the classroom helps children understand more about the cultures they are exposed to every day. Here is a teacher’s views on Matariki and how she relates Matariki to other cultures in her class.

Living in such a culturally diverse country it is important to understand other cultures celebrate many different things, as well as the fact that they also celebrate many of the things as we do. It is important to teach this from a young age, as it will help make children more open-minded to other cultures.

Although not learning about Matariki until having to teach it herself, Jillian has no problem with being enthusiastic in teaching her students, as she is learning alongside them.

Jillian also stays enthusiastic about teaching Matariki even though she only celebrates it in her classroom. This makes it more interesting to her as she gets to celebrate it in the way that her students like, which is commonly by stories, the artwork they do, as well as learning waiata through their kapa haka sessions, and singing them in their assemblies in celebration of Matariki. They do all of this in the month of June leading up to Matariki.