Learning about space is an exciting opportunity to bring awe and wonder into our learning environments. For tamariki under five, the mysteries of the universe spark curiosity, imagination, and big questions about the world around them. By weaving in Te Ao Māori perspectives, we can also ground this learning in whakapapa, pūrākau, and the mātauranga of our tīpuna.
Why space learning matters in ECE
Early childhood is a time when curiosity thrives. Learning about space nurtures inquiry, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking — skills that underpin lifelong learning. The benefits of space learning are endless, but these are some of the most notable;
🌙 It nurtures curiosity
Tamariki are natural scientists — they notice changes, ask questions, and test ideas. Wonderings like “Why is the moon changing shape?” or “Where does the sun go at night?”, supporting these wonderings encourages scientific thinking from the earliest years.
🚀 It builds science foundations
Simple experiences — shadows moving across the ground, rolling balls down ramps, noticing day and night — introduce big concepts like gravity, rotation, and light in hands-on, playful ways.
⭐ It fuels imagination
Building rockets from blocks, inventing alien worlds, or dancing like comets gives tamariki the freedom to imagine, create, and tell stories.
🤝 It encourages collaboration
Exploring big ideas together creates opportunities for tamariki to share, listen, and build knowledge alongside their peers.
Te Ao Māori and the stars above
In Te Ao Māori, the night sky is more than something to look at — it holds whakapapa, knowledge, and guidance for daily life. By weaving this into space exploration in early learning, we offer tamariki a connection to generational wisdom and learning. It can sound like alot but don’t let that stop you, here are some ideas to subtly introduce these concepts alongside tamariki;
✨ Matariki and ngā whetū
Stars are whānau, with stories and roles that connect us to seasonal cycles, kai, and reflection. Learning about Matariki helps tamariki see stars as active guides in our lives.
🌊 Navigation and exploration
Our tīpuna crossed Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa using the stars as their map. These pūrākau inspire tamariki to see themselves as explorers — curious, brave, and innovative.
🌙 Maramataka
The phases of the moon guide planting, harvesting, and living in harmony with the environment. Exploring the maramataka helps tamariki see the connections between space, the land, and daily life.
Ideas to bring space learning into your practice
Are you ready to embark on a space adventure but unsure where to begin? Have a look at the reflective prompts below, these can help you establish a base to build upon;
• How do I currently include space concepts (sun, moon, stars, planets) in my teaching and environment?
• What wonderings about space have I noticed tamariki expressing recently? How could I extend these?
• Do our resources and provocations reflect both scientific and cultural perspectives of the sky and stars?
• How could I use everyday observations (sunrise, moon phases, shadows) as teachable moments?
• What opportunities are there to connect with whānau around space learning?
Taking off
Now that the seed is planted, here are a couple of ideas to get you started, as well as some of our favourite TeacherTalk resources;
🌙 Science & Nature
• Sky watching: Notice the moon’s shape or track the sun’s shadows together.
• Maramataka exploration: Track the moon’s phases and connect them to kai, gardening, and daily rhythms - heres a great visual aid (https://teachertalk.org.nz/products/mata-o-te-marama-moon-phases-a3-poster-download?_pos=30&_sid=608e64f11&_ss=r)
• Light and shadow play: Use torches, lamps, or natural sunlight to explore shadows, eclipses, or “sunrise and sunset.”
• Observation journals: Encourage tamariki to draw the moon, sun, or stars they notice each day to see patterns over time.
• Gardening links: Plant seeds and observe how the lunar cycle influences growth, connecting to mātauranga Māori. Our Conservation and Harvesting download is a great tool to support this
✨ Te Ao Māori Connections
• Pūrākau: Share stories of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, Tāne’s separation of earth and sky, or the star whānau of Matariki. Check out our “Together in Love” pūrākau here
(https://teachertalk.org.nz/products/matariki-magnetic-legend?_pos=3&_sid=95cf8f8aa&_ss=r)
• Star navigation: Explore how Pacific navigators read the stars to cross Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
• Matariki celebrations: Connect learning to reflection, whānau, kai, and future goals during Matariki.
• Whānau engagement: Invite whānau to share local pūrākau, waiata, or practices linked to the stars and moon.
🎨 Creativity & Play
• Creative play: Build planets, invent rockets, or map out constellations with art and construction.
• Sensory exploration: Make “moon sand” (cornflour + oil), galaxy playdough, or “space jars” with glitter and water. Looking for a little inspiration - head over to https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSD9g8SfY/
• Constellation art: Create star maps with chalk on black paper, string and pegs, or glow-in-the-dark stickers.
• Small world play: Set up a “space world” with figurines, rocks, and glow stars for storytelling. Our space download is a great place to start - https://teachertalk.org.nz/products/space-download
• Drama and role play: Turn a box into a rocket or spaceship, roleplay astronauts, navigators, or atua.
🎶 Movement & Music
• Orbit and spin: Dance like planets circling the sun or comets shooting through space.
• Shine like stars: Use poi, scarves, or lights to move and twinkle like stars in the night sky.
• Waiata and chants: Learn and create songs about the sun, moon, and stars — in te reo Māori and English.
📚 Storytelling & Literacy
• Picture books: Read stories about space and stars alongside Māori pūrākau and Pacific exploration tales.
• Story creation: Encourage tamariki to invent their own “space stories” and illustrate them.
• Shared writing: Document tamariki’s wonderings about the universe as a group story or wall display.
3…2…1… Blast off!
✨🚀 Space learning opens up a universe of wonder for tamariki — a place where imagination, science, and the wisdom of Te Ao Māori come together. It’s about more than stars and planets; it’s about helping tamariki see their place in the cosmos while sparking a lifelong love of curiosity and discovery.
Kaiako, the adventure starts with you! 🌙⭐ Embark on your big space learning journey today and ignite that same sense of awe in your tamariki.
👉 Visit www.teachertalk.org.nz for more amazing ideas, stories, and resources to fuel your cosmic classroom!
