Whiria te tāngata - 10 April 2024

Storyways Writing Pieces

Oral storytelling is a powerful tool for learning. We have adapted the Storyways approach as a vehicle to enhance literacy learning and develop deep connections across other areas of our curriculum.

Each term our classes select a different story to engage students in a range of learning opportunities. This term, Kererū Rua students listened to & discussed stories about how things came to be. A story about a piper who creates music and builds the world around us, the story of Te Ao Mārama and how it came to be, and also the story of Ranginui and Papatuanuku as they created the world of light.

This learning linked beautifully to the start of Te Ao Mārama School as we celebrate 5 years open this year. Kererū Rua students even had a super special guest to interview - thanks Matua Tony

Here are two examples of some fantastic writing around these topics:

In the beginning there were no kids, no laughter, no noise - just a paddock.
On the first day the Minister clicked her fingers and the plans were made.
On the second day Whaea Pare sprinkled her wishes like a pinata bursting and the site was ready.
On the third day the builders used their tools like wizards waving their wands and the buildings appeared.
On the fourth day Matua Tony waved his wand like a magician and got his teachers.
On the fifth day the teachers clicked their fingers and the spaces were made.
On the sixth day whānau tapped their keyboards like musicians and enrolled their children.
On the seventh day the kids sprinted into school like they were in a race and learning started.
And so Te Ao Mārama began.
Author: Alex


In the beginning there was no fun, no reading, no kids - just grass.
On the first day the Minister clicked her fingers and the plans were made.
On the second day Whaea Pare gave her blessings with a heart made of gold and the site was ready.
On the third day the painters splashed paint like artists and the buildings appeared.
On the fourth day the Board searched everywhere like they were on a treasure hunt and they found their staff.
On the fifth day the teachers waved their wands like magicians and the spaces were ready.
On the sixth day my parents went to the office and joined me up.
On the seventh day the kids ran to school like they were in a race and learning began.
And so Te Ao Mārama began.
Author: Kayden