Art Ideas For Rock Art



Rocks with art on them.

A fun art activity for 'Rock Art' is to actually draw some art on a rock! The picture on the left shows the children's ideas of 'rock art'. They have used a variety of Gel pens and flat rocks painted spray painted black.
River rocks are the best to use because they are smooth.
These works of art can then be 'sold' at the school's fair or on a white elephant stall.



Another idea for an art activity (It will take longer!) is to get some limestone blocks, make some 'pigment' out of bricks, using a hammer and oil. Also make black pigment using charcoal and oil.

Because we can no longer access shark's oil (for the liquid) cooking oil is ok.
And because we can no longer access kokowai (the red rock), common brick will suffice.

If you need anymore information Google it!







Rock Art

Many years ago the Māori, especially in Te Waipounamu, drew their stories on limestone outcrops. (Never in caves!) There are remnants of this 'rock art', which is really a language, in different areas of Te Waipounamu. Murihiku and South Canterbury are two well known areas.


View of remaining Rock Art






A limestone outcrop in Murihiku

These outcrops are in private ownership and some are used as farm storage places.

My photos show different limestone outcrops and some very hazy pictures of the remaining 'art'.
If you would like to know more about Rock Art find out here: http://www.teana.co.nz

Whakapapa and Te Reo

What better way to use your 'whanau' reo and improve your sentences than to 'publish' a photo or picture of a family group. You will need to know the kupu (words) and some sentence structures.
*  Keep it simple
*  Work with your knowledge.

Te Taura Whiri site, the TKI  site and many others have some kupu that are used for the whanau. If you would like an explanation of this photo (of my whanau) then contact me at the RTM Base and I will gladly help you with your reo.

Kaitiakitaka

A good kaupapa / topic for study is Kaitiakitaka (Stewardship). We practice this in many ways.
A good example is shown here in the planting of native trees at Takutai o Te Tītī Marae. Our 'kaitiakitaka' is by erecting these plant protectors to not only keep the rabbits and hares away from the young trees, but also to protect them from the wind and weather.


Plant protector.

Māori Language Week Activity

Māori Language Week has almost come to a close! I have heard of a few activites to celebrate the week in many schools around Murihiku.
The Aparima, Riverton Primary school Bi-lingual class spent a day at their local Papatipu Marae planting 'native' trees, and putting protectors over each tree.
The tamariki, pouako, tumuaki, people of the marae and the ringawera enjoyed the whole day.
Tumeke!
Evaluate the week and start planning for Māori Language Week 2013.
The world is your oyster!

Māori Language Week

http://www.korero.maori.nz/resources/shop.html

Here is a link for teachers,whanau and community who are keen to celebrate Te Reo Māori this year.
The 'official' Māori Language week is from July 21 to July 27.
Celebrate!!!! Aotearoa NZ is the only country in the world where Māori is spoken. It is 'our' language, it is part of who we are.
Tau kē! Good one.

Photo shows tītī flying across the bay at Ōraka/Colac Bay.

Ideas for Māori Language week:

• An Inquiry Learning on any 'local' Murihiku / Southland activity.
• Invite your local Taua or Poua to come to your class / school for a cup of tea and kōrero.
• A whole school rotation with a focus on Māori Language / activities.
• Write a school waiata, incorporate some kupu Māori in it, eg use your river, hills, mountains, land - find the Māori names.
• Begin a relationship with a similar school - Blogg, SKYPE, email etc.

For more ideas contact the RTM's, your local Marae or community.
Remember: YOU CAN'T SPEAK A LANGUAGE WITHOUT THE WORDS!