Celebrating Matariki With Young Children Under 5
Matariki is a time of renewal, remembrance, and celebration that connects us to our land, sea, and sky. But how can we make the festivities of Matariki engaging and educational for our youngest tamariki? Here are some wonderful ways to celebrate Matariki with children under 5.
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Jessie PetersJune 30, 2023
When winter arrives and the Matariki star cluster begins to rise, the time to observe the Maori New Year is at hand. Matariki is a time of renewal, remembrance, and celebration that connects us to our land, sea, and sky. But how can we make the festivities of Matariki engaging and educational for our youngest tamariki? Here are some wonderful ways to celebrate Matariki with children under 5.
Storytime: The Tale of Matariki
Introducing children to Matariki through storytelling can be a magical experience. Stories foster imagination and curiosity while enhancing a child’s understanding of cultural traditions. 'The Seven Kites of Matariki' by Calico McClintock and 'Matariki Breakfast' by Becky Kui are beautiful books that can be read to children to explain Matariki in an age-appropriate way. Storytelling helps establish the significance of Matariki and lays a strong foundation for their future understanding.
Star Gazing: Connecting with the Night Sky
Although the Matariki constellation might be too challenging to spot for young children, the act of stargazing can be a beautiful ritual. You can step outside on a clear night and explore the stars together, pointing out the brightest ones, making up stories, or simply enjoying the night sky.
Arts and Crafts: Matariki Stars
Involving young children in craft activities can foster creativity and fine motor skills. Try making Matariki stars with your little ones. You can use cardboard, paint, glitter, and whatever else you have on hand. Let them paint seven stars to represent the Matariki constellation. Once dry, these can be hung around the house as festive decorations. This activity not only cultivates creativity, but it also helps them to learn about the constellation in a hands-on way.
Cooking Together: Traditional Māori Food
Food plays an essential role in Matariki celebrations, symbolizing the harvest. Preparing a simple, traditional Maori dish with your child can be a wonderful experience. Try making 'rewena bread,' a Maori sourdough bread, which can be an interactive and sensory-rich activity for your young ones.
Nature Walks: Appreciating the Land
Matariki is a time to appreciate the Earth's bounty. Taking children on a nature walk, perhaps collecting leaves, rocks, or exploring local flora and fauna, can be a tactile and interactive way for them to connect with the land. A nature walk can also be an excellent opportunity to teach them about the changing seasons, another significant aspect of Matariki.
Songs and Music: The Joy of Shared Melodies
Children love music, and songs are an excellent way to teach them about different cultural concepts. Learn a simple Matariki song together, such as 'Te Iwa o Matariki,' and sing it as part of your Matariki celebrations.
Watch Te Iwa o Matariki Singing & guitar: Ngā mihi maioha ki a Mahia rāua ko Jahmaine.
Celebrating Matariki with young children is about creating meaningful experiences that help them understand the significance of this time. It's about connecting with family, our environment, and the cycles of nature. With these activities, you can start a tradition that will surely be looked forward to each year as the stars of Matariki make their appearance in the winter sky.
