Description

Matariki includes:

• Repetitive sentence structure: “He pai ki ahau….” (I like the….)
• Vocabulary for some aspects of Matariki and the Māori culture
• Singalong CD which turns the book into a catchy song
• English translation
• List of activity ideas to make this much more than a fun book to do on the mat!
• Information about Matariki, the Māori New Year
• Guitar chords

Curriculum Links for Matariki: 
Tikanga: As well as celebrating the New Year, Matariki is a time to remember those who’ve passed on.
Learning Intention: Communicate about favourite things to do.
Te Whāriki: Links to Strand 2, goal 2: have confidence to express ideas.
Te Aho Arataki Marau: Links to 2.3: communicate about likes and dislikes.

Author – Sharon Holt

Illustrator – Deborah Hinde

Waikato based illustrator and author Deborah Hinde produces illustrations for a variety of clients and specialises in children’s picture books. She illustrated 11 of the books in the Te Reo Singalong series.

What others say about Matariki:

“My experience as an early childhood teacher is needing great interactive books that focus on relevant themes and can be easily implemented into planning topics. All Sharon’s Te Reo Singalong books offer this. One in particular is Matariki. It’s a book that children can understand, appreciate and even interact with Māori culture. The illustrations are colourful and very attractive, the song is very catchy and my children love this immensely. For me however, there is that underlining importance of whānau, tradition and language. I would recommend anyone of these books.” Tawhi Paenga

“The children love each time a new book arrives from Te Reo Singalong. Matariki is definitely a favourite. They love the tune and rhythm of the song, and the story line is something they are familiar with. These books make connections for each child, because they are relevant to them in their world. The children are so focussed, and the repetitive rhyme encourages the children to participate in the story. These books are a rich resource that excites our children and empowers them to learn.” The Team at Colenso Early Childhood Centre, Napier“The children love each time a new book arrives from Te Reo Singalong. Matariki is definitely a favourite. They love the tune and rhythm of the song, and the story line is something they are familiar with. These books make connections for each child, because they are relevant to them in their world. The children are so focussed, and the repetitive rhyme encourages the children to participate in the story. These books are a rich resource that excites our children and empowers them to learn.” The Team at Colenso Early Childhood Centre, Napier

Meet Kiwi author Sharon Holt

Sharon Holt is a children’s author and creator of books and resources in te reo Māori.

Several of her books have won or been shortlisted for awards, and her Te Reo Singalong series won its category in both Ngā Tohu Reo Māori / Māori Language Awards in 2013 and the CLNZ Educational Publishing Awards in 2015.

Find out more about Sharon and the Te Reo Singalong series on Sharon’s author page.