U Mat-Time | Issue 171
- The Utopia Team
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 23
16th June | Pipiri 2025
Kia ora koutou,
This week, our U Mat-Time theme is He Whānau Kotahi – We Are One Whānau, a special follow-on from our recent Matariki celebrations.
We’ll be focusing on the strength and beauty of whānau connections, exploring what it means to belong, to care for one another, and to celebrate each tamaiti’s identity and whakapapa.
Through storytelling, waiata, sharing circles, and creative group activities, tamariki will reflect on:
Who is in their whānau
What makes their family special
How we can work together as one big learning whānau
A heartfelt ngā mihi nui to our kaiako Moana for guiding this kaupapa with warmth and intention. Your mahi continues to help tamariki feel proud, connected, and truly at home.
Let’s continue growing together in aroha and unity – he whānau kotahi tātou.
Ngā manaakitanga,
The Teacher Department at Utopia
What can we do with Tamariki
He Whānau Kotahi – We Are One Whānau
1. Karakia & Welcome
Begin with a simple karakia to give thanks for our whānau and time together.
2. Storytime
“My Marae” – Recounts a whānau gathering and connection to whenua
“Pēpi Mihi” – A gentle introduction to identity and pepeha
“I Am Me” – Celebrates uniqueness and self-expression
3. Waiata & Movement
“Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi” – Coming together in unity
“Te Aroha” – Love, compassion, and togetherness
“E Rere Taku Poi” – Movement and cultural rhythm
Whānau role play: tamariki act out things they do with their family (cooking, hugs, playing)
Join hands in a circle and move together to Tūtira Mai
4. Group Sharing Circle
Ko Wai Au? (Who Am I?) Sharing:Each child is invited to say: “Ko ______ tōku ingoa.” (My name is…)
“Ko ______ tōku whānau.” (My family is…)
And share one thing they love about their whānau
Tip: Add photos or drawings to a classroom Whānau Wall.
5. Creative Follow-Up Activities:
My Whānau Portrait: Tamariki draw their whānau and write or dictate names
Whānau Waka (Family Canoe): Decorate paper waka, each with tamariki and whānau represented inside
We Are One Tree: Create a group tree mural where each leaf is a child’s handprint with their name and whānau
The following resources and ideas are provided for your reference to support this week’s theme.
Rauemi Mātauranga & Waiata
Resources & Songs
Pēpi Mihi template - for baby's room
Tēnei te mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa(Here is a warm greeting to you all)
Ko te maunga(The mountain is…)
Ko te awa/moana(The river/lake is…)
Ko te iwi/hapū(The tribe/sub-tribe is…)
Ko te marae(The marae is…)
Ko rāua ko ōku mātua(My parents are…)
Ko tōku ingoa(My name is…)
He pēpi ahau nō (I am a baby from…)
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa(Therefore, greetings, greetings, greetings to us all)
My Mihi - Toddlers and Preschool rooms
Tēnā koutou katoa(Greetings to you all)
Ko ____________ te maunga(The mountain is…)
Ko ____________ te awa/moana(The river or ocean is…)
Ko ____________ te iwi/hapū(The tribe or sub-tribe is…)
Ko ____________ te marae(The marae is…)
Ko ____________ tōku ingoa(My name is…)
Nō ____________ ahau(I am from…)
He tamaiti ahau i te [ingoa o te kura/kohanga](I am a child at [name of centre])
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa(Thank you all)
My Marae colouring-in page
Decorate your own Marae with colours and imagination!
Paper Waka
Create a paper waka with tamariki to represent their cultural journey and identity. This activity supports storytelling, fine motor skills, and a strong sense of belonging.
Paper waka template and instructions are included in the resources.
Whānau – Family Vocabulary Poster (Te Reo Māori & English)
This vibrant poster introduces extended family vocabulary in both Te Reo Māori and English. It features clear illustrations and labels for family members.
Waiata about Whanaungatanga
Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi
E Rere Taku Poi Maori
Māori Welcome Song
Ngā Mahi Pārekareka mō te Mahi Tahi me ngā Tamariki
Fun Activities to Do with Children
Portrait Drawing Activity
The activity encourages tamariki to express their identity through art by drawing themselves or members of their whānau.
What You Can Do with Kids:
Self-Portraits: Ask tamariki to draw themselves
Whānau Portraits: Invite children to draw siblings, parents, or special people in their lives.
Gallery Display: Create a “Ko Wai Au – Who Am I?” wall with all portraits, celebrating each child's uniqueness. :)
We Are One Tree
About the Activity:
"We Are One Tree" is a collaborative group art project for early childhood
settings. Tamariki each contribute a handprint leaf featuring their name and a note or drawing about their whānau.
The download version includes instructions and leaf template :)
He aha kei te haere ake?
What is coming next
Comments