Matariki encompasses many things, an important aspect is the concept of 'new beginnings'. This year we wanted to celebrate Matariki with a focus on health and well-being; the notion of making good choices for a happy life.
To support our planning, we drew on Dr Mason Durie's whare tapawha model of hauora. Within our activities we wanted to nurture Tapa Tinana (physical health), Tapa Whanau (family health), Tapa Wairua (spiritual health) and Tapa Hinegaro (mental health). "I take care of my body. I challenge myself physically. I nurture myself with healthy food. I test/push my limits and try new activities. I move within and explore Te Ao." (Apapted from Mason Durie's Whaiora: Maori Health Development, Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1994).
Matariki at Bream Bay kindergarten, a month of celebrations....
Matariki breakfast
To kick off our month of celebrations we began with a special breakfast at kindergarten for tamariki and whanau. Scrumptious food and fine company!
When invited, children were keen to be caretakers and happily did the washing up...long may that last!
Growing Peas
Next on our list of planned activities...we grew peas to gain an understanding of healthy food, where our food comes from and that we can grow our own food.
Naming our pea plant pots so we know which pea belongs to us! It takes a lot of concentration.
Very interesting...the plant grows up and down!
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Following, is some children's artwork investigating the growing of peas. Some interesting ideas emerging here...
"The plant comes from the pea" said Joshua
"The plant, I think it will grow. I think underneath the ground" said Alex.
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"It will grow into peas. This is tricky" said Poppy trying to explain her ideas behind her drawing.
"It has dirt around the pea. It grows into a pea plant. A stalk comes from the pea. The leaves come from the stalk. It grows peas. After it grows flowers" said Bailey."
"Those are the peas on the tree. It makes the peas grow. It gets watered everyday, then it grows. In the middle is the seed. Well when you water it, it grows up. The seed starts at the bottom, it grows to a different area and then it moves to up into the middle" said Myllah.
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"The plant, I think it will grow. I think underneath the ground" said Alex.
Flax weaving
Flax weaving provides opportunities for creative exploration. It's a relaxing and peaceful experience. Being out in the sunshine together with friends during this calm and quiet time is good for the soul.
He oranga ngakau, he pikinga waiora
Positive feeling in your heart will raise your sense of self worth.
Yoga
Throughout the month were opportunities for children to experience the peace and tranquility of Yoga. Many children enjoyed this activity and have expressed interest to continue learning this activity.
E pai ana te taha wairua, Ka pai ana te taha tinana
When your spirit is well, your body will be well also.
Finding inner peace
Pamper sessions
Looking after other people has the ability to lift spirits too. We set up a pamper station for children to pamper a friend...it wasn't long before parents realized the benefits of this play experience and lined up to be pampered by their children. A wonderful bonding experience...hand massages are so relaxing aren't they Mum!
Matariki Hangi
Our traditional Matariki Hangi was a brilliant finish to our celebrations and so very popular. This year was no exception...such a fantastic time...a full day immersed in fun, laughter and love of community and whanau.
Preparing our yummy kai...
Our whanau patiently wait for the lifting of the hangi...
Such a busy month!
Thanks for sharing the journey.
Arohanui, Tania
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