Glimpses of preparations ahead of the Matariki Festival

Here at Learning Links Childcare Centre Taupo, we have been learning about Matariki and welcomed parents and the children to our center.

Our kaiako made some activities and resources to get our tamariki into the spirit of Māori New Year. The Matariki activities will help our children learn about the history and traditions surrounding Matariki in a fun and engaging way. Our Matariki activities are a collection of resources for our kids to get ready for the Matariki festivities.

13th June – Play dough activity supporting sensory using stars black play dough for night sky.

13th June – Wall display for whānau to set aspirations for new year. The display also acknowledges the meaning of Matariki and the representation of each star.

14th June – Painting stars using marble effect.

15th June – Planting veggies in alignment with moon phases-Tupuanuku. Our pepe experienced going to Bunnings to choose vegetables that we eat daily to further support garden to plate. Well-being, making connections between people, places, things.

16th June – Matariki show at Great Lake centre- Tamariki had the opportunity to experience a Matariki show about the stars and what they represent.

20th June – Star stamp painting.

21st June – Matariki stars on projector.

22nd June – Harakeke, raranga planting with Taupo greening

23rd June – Shared kai