Collaged Suncatchers

Students created suncatchers to make an impression of the beginning of creation, according to the Māori creation story. They learnt about the three different states at the beginning of the world, Te Kore, Te Pō and Te Ao (The Nothingness, The Great Darkness and The Light).

The students learnt about Ranginui, Papatūānuku and their children. The children of Ranginui and Papatūānuku found it difficult to do their jobs because they were squashed between their parents and there was no light. So they decided to separate their parents and let light into the world. 

The students imagined the moment when Te Ao began to break through Te Pō. They thought about what they would see as glimpses of light entered the great darkness.

The students made collaged paper by glueing layers of tissue paper over acetate and sprinkling glitter on top. When the glue was dry the students peeled the paper off of the acetate, with much delight.

They drew shapes to represent the light entering the world. The students then used their shape templates to cut shapes out of the tissue paper. They put holes in their pieces with a hole punch and attached them with pipe cleaners. Threading pipe cleaners through small holes was great for fine motor skills practice!

The finished suncatchers are displayed in the classroom window. They look lovely as the sunlight shines through the layers of translucent tissue paper. The suncatchers are a lovely reminder of the Māori story of the beginning of time and creation of the world.