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Matariki activities for under fives

On Friday 14 July, the Matariki star cluster will rise bringing the start of a new year. It is a time to remember, to look forward and to celebrate the present.

Below are three activities to enjoy with the under fives in your whanau.

Matariki Star Ice Cubes

Benefits:

Using a hammer to smash small star ice cubes promotes control and timing while using equipment.

Children practise lining up the hammer to hit the ice, while strengthening fine motor muscles and developing eye hand coordination.

You will need:

Star ice cube tray
Water
Hammer

Instructions:

Prepare the star ice cubes in the freezer.
When the star ice is set, tip out the ice cubes onto the grass or concrete and smash them with a hammer.

Glow Stick Skittles

Benefits:

Playing skittles promotes eye hand coordination when aiming the ball towards the skittles.

Night time skittles is extra challenging to focus when playing in the dark but also extra fun!

You will need:

Empty plastic bottles with lids
Glow sticks
Water
Tape
Ball

Instructions:

Crack the glow stick to activate the light and place them inside the bottles.
Add water to the bottles and secure lids on with tape.
Set up the bottles and roll the ball to knock as many down.

Star Jumping

Benefits:

Jumping encourages timing, coordination and balance while strengthening muscle development.

You will need:

Star shapes or a prepared/bought star garland
String
Pins to fix the star garland

Instructions:

Children can be part of creating this resource by colouring and cutting out star shapes.
Or alternatively, you can purchase a star garland already prepared.
Hang the star decorations in a safe door way or from a tree outside.
The level the stars are hung needs to be appropriate and achievable for children, while still being challenging.
Play some music and encourage the children to practise two foot jumping, or hopping while stretching their arms to touch the stars!