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Weaving history into today
At BestStart Montessori Kapiti we have recently been talking to the children at circle time about the Treaty of Waitangi and the importance of it. We discussed the contract between Māori and Pakeha, which was signed a long time ago, and the meaning of this.
To expand on the Treaty and to acknowledge the importance of Māori Cultural activities, the children took part in some art activities. Wendy made some weaving frames, one flax, and another with kowhaiwhai patterns to add to our Practical Life shelf. These caught the children's interest as they all wanted to have a turn. The frames consisted of strips of flax or ribbon attached to a frame, along with loose strips for weaving. Wendy demonstrated how to thread the first strip under and the over right to the end and pointed out and showed them how to alternate 'over and under' to get the unique pattern. Most of the children needed a little bit of support with this, but it was a really good challenge that they really enjoyed.
There is a Māori proverb or whakatauki that says, “Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua”. Walk backwards into our future with our eyes fixed on our past. Learning about weaving techniques is a way to uphold the values of this whakatauki.