Section outline

  • Kia ora koutou,

    Nau mai, haere mai! 

    Welcome back to Term 4. 

    I hope you all had a restful break and are ready to dive into a new term full of learning and growth. As we begin this final term of the year, we will explore the exciting theme of celebrations—looking at how different cultures, both here in Aotearoa and around the world, express their values, traditions, and identity through festivals and special events.

    Week 1: Celebrations – Understanding Cultural Significance

    This week, we will begin by exploring the different types of celebrations that people observe, whether they are cultural, religious, or historical. As we explore these celebrations, we will also reflect on the deeper meanings they carry and how they contribute to maintaining cultural identity and traditions. We will connect this learning to the Māori values of Manaakitanga (hospitality) and Whanaungatanga (building relationships), recognizing the importance of celebration in bringing people together.

    FOCUS / ARONGA Learning Intentions:

    • We are FOCUSING on identifying and understanding different types of celebrations and their cultural significance.
    • We are FOCUSING on reflecting on how celebrations help preserve cultural identity and traditions.
    • We are FOCUSING on making connections between celebrations and key values such as Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga.

    Activities: Throughout the week, we will explore a range of celebrations from different cultures, considering their origins and significance. We will also reflect on a celebration that is important to us or our family, thinking about how it connects to our identity and heritage. By the end of the week, we will be able to explain the importance of different celebrations and the values they represent.

    Celebrations Context: We will explore how celebrations play an essential role in expressing cultural identity and creating a sense of belonging within communities. This learning will help us appreciate the diverse ways in which people come together to honor their heritage and traditions.

    Learning Intentions:

    • We will explore a variety of celebrations and reflect on their cultural, religious, or historical significance.
    • We will connect these celebrations to values like Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga.
    • We will develop our ability to reflect on and explain the importance of celebrations in our own lives.

    Success Criteria:

    • I can identify different types of celebrations and explain their significance.
    • I can reflect on how celebrations connect to cultural values and community bonds.
    • I can share a reflection on a personal or family celebration, linking it to identity and heritage.

    Let us begin this term with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity as we explore the rich traditions and celebrations that shape the identities of communities around the world.