Little is known about the history of cloth-making in Aotearoa. This article is a useful introduction to a tradition that’s found across the Pacific. Nikau Hindin has led the way with its recent revival in New Zealand – both learning a cloth-making practice that’s been around for centuries, then using this cloth for her art.
Tusiata Avia writes from the child’s perspective as the narrator’s mother receives a tuālima (a tattoo on the back of the hand). Arranged chronologically, the author details particulars of the ceremony, sometimes using gagana Sāmoa terms, and sharing the attention equally between what’s happening and the emotions felt.
“The Invisible Force” describes some of the characteristics of magnets and how these characteristics were first discovered and used. There are several other pieces on the topic of magnetism in this journal: a report that describes some ways that people use magnets today, a series of science experiments and activities, and a humorous story.
“Amazing Magnets” describes some ways that magnets are used at home, at school, and in industries. It follows on from the earlier article “The Invisible Force”, which describes some of the characteristics of magnets. There are several further pieces on the topic of magnetism in this journal: a series of science experiments and activities and a humorous story.
This report describes taonga at Ōtūmoetai School, focusing on a very special whakairo (carving). It explains why the whakairo is a taonga to the school and the wider community. As well as speaking directly to Māori students, this story provides opportunities for all students to make connections to their own understandings about taonga, the arts, and cultural practices.
We know that magnets can attract other magnets and metal objects. This is magnetic force in action. But do all magnets have the same amount of magnetic force? Let’s try some experiments to help us answer this question.
This story, presented in a graphic text format, tells how Rua journeys under the sea to rescue his son Te Manu, who has been taken by Tangaroa. In the undersea world, Rua discovers beautiful whakairo (carvings) on the whare of Tangaroa and, after defeating the sea god, brings the art of whakairo to the world above the sea. Ideas about whakairo are explored further in the article “Kākahu Pekepeke” in this journal.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
“The Invisible Force” describes some of the characteristics of magnets and how these characteristics were first discovered and used. There are several other pieces on the topic of magnetism in this journal: a report that describes some ways that people use magnets today, a series of science experiments and activities, and a humorous story.
“Amazing Magnets” describes some ways that magnets are used at home, at school, and in industries. It follows on from the earlier article “The Invisible Force”, which describes some of the characteristics of magnets. There are several further pieces on the topic of magnetism in this journal: a series of science experiments and activities and a humorous story.
This report describes taonga at Ōtūmoetai School, focusing on a very special whakairo (carving). It explains why the whakairo is a taonga to the school and the wider community. As well as speaking directly to Māori students, this story provides opportunities for all students to make connections to their own understandings about taonga, the arts, and cultural practices.
We know that magnets can attract other magnets and metal objects. This is magnetic force in action. But do all magnets have the same amount of magnetic force? Let’s try some experiments to help us answer this question.
This story, presented in a graphic text format, tells how Rua journeys under the sea to rescue his son Te Manu, who has been taken by Tangaroa. In the undersea world, Rua discovers beautiful whakairo (carvings) on the whare of Tangaroa and, after defeating the sea god, brings the art of whakairo to the world above the sea. Ideas about whakairo are explored further in the article “Kākahu Pekepeke” in this journal.
Information and tips for using comics in the classroom:
This article shares information about orca and the research conducted by the author (Ingrid Visser runs the Orca Research Trust). It looks at how and why she carries out research and what is known about orca. It also covers some of the threats to their habitat and what we need to do to protect them. The article includes a text box about the various names given to orca and another with advice on how to act around orca should you encounter them.
Te Waka Rangimārie o Kaiwaka is a 25-metre waka at the entrance to Kaiwaka School in Northland. The waka welcomes people to the school and is also enjoyed as a kapa haka platform, a play area, and a quiet place to sit. The focus of this article is on the whakairo (carvings) of the waka, which tell stories about the Kaiwaka area and the school community. The article includes a profile of carver Tim Codyre, who speaks of the rich and changing traditions of whakairo.
by Bernard Beckett, illustrations by Scott Pearson
When Room 6 wins the competition to design the school’s new playground, they are really excited. However, when it comes to deciding on the design, differences of opinion emerge and the students have to work through the conflict to come up with a design that will suit them all. This story provides an opportunity to introduce and discuss the acceptance and celebration of difference.
by Kelly Joseph, illustrations by Isobel Te Aho-White
This poem is about the art of whakairo, linking to the article about the Kaipara School carved waka in this Journal. It shows that a theme can be explored in various ways using different text forms. It also provides a model for poetic writing on a topic. Students will be able to think critically about the art of whakairo by making inferences and finding specific information. They will also be able to identify and evaluate the language features and structures the author has chosen for her particular purpose. It includes a glossary of te reo Māori terms used in the poem and a pictorial glossary showing four whakairo patterns.
This is a humorous play featuring the characters from “Let’s Vote on It” (SJ L2 May 2020). It’s based around the importance of voting so that you can have your say. The citizens want to replace the king – a vote is held, but the king forgets to vote and loses the election as a result. Plays provide opportunities for students to develop their oral language and performance skills. They will also be able to use the characters’ actions and dialogue to make inferences and interpret the play’s main message.