Matariki is a special time for coming together, remembering those who have gone before us, showing gratitude for the present and looking forward to the future. At BestStart Everglade Babies, we celebrated Matariki through meaningful learning experiences that brought our tamariki, whānau and kaiako together in the spirit of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and ako.
We were grateful for the wonderful support of our whānau, who generously shared fresh vegetables from home for our special Matariki soup. This beautiful contribution reflected the spirit of manaakitanga, showing our tamariki the importance of caring, sharing and supporting one another as a community.
Our kaiako created a hands-on sensory learning experience where our tamariki were invited to explore, touch, smell and peel different vegetables. Flashcards were introduced alongside the real vegetables, helping children make connections between what they could see, touch and experience. The vegetables were then transformed into a delicious soup for everyone to enjoy, giving tamariki the opportunity to experience the joy of preparing and sharing kai together.
We also supported our tamariki to connect with te taiao, the natural world, by using harakeke (flax) from our nature area to create beautiful coasters. Tamariki had the opportunity to touch and explore the texture of the harakeke and experience the process of weaving. This hands-on experience encouraged curiosity, respect for natural resources and an appreciation of traditional practices.
Our kaiako also invited tamariki to make wholemeal star-shaped cookies while sharing stories about the significance of the Matariki stars and their connection to guidance, hope, remembrance and looking towards the future. Tamariki explored the ingredients through touch and sensory experiences and enjoyed being involved in the baking process.
Another meaningful cooking experience was making rewena bread together. Tamariki participated in exploring the ingredients and preparing the bread, experiencing the joy of creating kai together and sharing it with others. These experiences supported learning about traditional practices, connection, cooperation and the importance of coming together around food.
During mat time, we came together to celebrate through waiata Māori, allowing our tamariki and whānau to experience the beauty of te reo Māori through music, movement and connection. We were delighted to welcome our parents to join us for lunch, which strengthened our partnerships and created a wonderful sense of belonging as we celebrated together as one whānau.
Throughout our Matariki celebration, our tamariki experienced the values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and ako in meaningful and practical ways. Through cooking, weaving, waiata, sensory exploration and sharing kai, tamariki had opportunities to learn, explore, connect and celebrate their place within their whānau and community.
Matariki reminded us to remember our past, appreciate what we have today and look towards the future with hope and positivity. We are incredibly grateful to our tamariki, whānau and kaiako for coming together and making our Matariki celebration such a special and memorable experience.