Hangaia He Tohu Maumahara

This activity enables tamariki to connect with their elders, whānau and whakapapa.

In this context whānau means anyone you know and are connected to – this can include friends and community members/leaders.

Print each student our two pepa mahi tohu maumahara (memory poster worksheets) and ask them to complete this for homework by interviewing the oldest person in their whānau.

As you’ll see, the first worksheet features questions about their childhood, while the second provides room for them to creatively express what they’ve discovered, or something they love about that person.

Worksheet 1: Patapātai maumahara (Memory Interview)

Let tamariki know they can record this conversation as well as write it down – and they can extend the questions to include anything they’re interested in or would like to know.

Worksheet 2: Tohu Maumahara (Memory Poster)

Once tamariki have this information, ask them to create a one page poster about this person – they can do this through writing a story, drawing a picture, adding a photo, or making a cartoon or collage.

Create a whānau feature wall in the classroom and invite whānau to come visit – or if tamariki complete worksheet 2 in class, invite them to take this home to share with their whānau.

If you’re enjoying traditional Māori games and activities, head here to see all our other culturally awesome activities.

For more whānau activities tamariki can take home, check out the All Right? whānau effect cards. These can be printed, or emailed – and we’d suggest encouraging tamariki to record the activity somehow – either in writing, by video, through photos or drawing – and to have a whānau member contribute too. Feel free to mix it up. We know just how creative you and your tamariki are!