Matariki, also known as the Māori New Year, is a time of celebration and reflection. This year, we are taking a closer look at each star of the Matariki cluster and its unique connection to Māori culture. In this blog post, we will be exploring Waitā, a star with a special connection to the ocean and its resources.
Waitā has a special connection to the ocean and its resources. It is believed that this star helps to replenish the ocean's food sources and brings prosperity to those who rely on them.
To help tamariki gain a deeper understanding of Waitā and its connection to the ocean, we highly recommend using the Waitā Poster and Activity pack. This pack contains information about Waitā, including a karakia, illustrations of kaimoana (seafood), and a colouring page. The creativity is endless with this activity pack, whether you choose to create a tuff tray, table top, or environment-inspired display.
For this particular activity, we created a tuff tray to inspire conversations among tamariki about the different food sources within the ocean and the ways we can care for te moana (the ocean). We laminated and cut out different kaimoana and Waitā and placed them in the tuff tray alongside sea animals, sand, shells, and blue-coloured water. This activity provided an excellent opportunity for tamariki to explore the ocean's resources and understand the significance of Waitā in Māori culture.
By exploring Waitā and its connection to the ocean, tamariki can gain a deeper appreciation for Māori culture and the importance of caring for our environment. This activity aligns with te Whāriki, and the importance of relationships with people, places, and things.
Exploring Waitā and its connection to the ocean is an excellent way to teach tamariki about Māori culture and the importance of sustainability. With the Waitā Poster and Activity pack, Kaiako can create a fun and educational environment that encourages tamariki to ask questions, solve problems, and explore their ideas. So, if you're looking for an activity that celebrates Matariki and teaches tamariki about the ocean's resources, be sure to check out the Waitā Poster and Activity pack.
