"The new New Zealand Refreshed Curriculum aims to give effect to Te Tiriti and its principles, creating an inclusive learning platform for all ākonga to participate in and enjoy an education that extends every learner’s open-ended potential, produces success in multiple forms, and enables the fulfilment of lifelong ambitions and dreams. Knowing who we are, where we come from, and what makes us unique as a country will enable a more confident international outlook that extends within and beyond our Pacific locality to the global opportunities offered across the world. "
Source: Te Mātaiaho: The Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum | Tui Tuia Learning Circle
Teaching about tukutuku in mathematics offers:
Cultural Connection: Integrating tukutuku patterns into mathematics education connects ākonga with Māori culture and heritage. It helps learners appreciate the cultural significance of these patterns and understand how they are woven into the fabric of Māori art and traditions.
Real-World Applications: Tukutuku patterns often involve algebraic patterns, geometric shapes and symmetrical designs, making them an excellent way to teach mathematical concepts like linear and quadratic patterns, symmetry, geometry, and spatial reasoning. This approach shows ākonga practical applications of mathematical principles in real-world contexts.
Enhanced Engagement: Using culturally relevant materials can make learning more engaging and meaningful for ākonga. By connecting mathematics to the rich tradition of tukutuku, ākonga may find the subject more interesting and relevant.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Teaching tukutuku in mathematics allows for an interdisciplinary approach, where learners can explore the intersections of art, culture, and mathematics. This holistic approach can deepen their understanding and appreciation of both subjects.
Critical Thinking: Analysing and creating tukutuku patterns can help ākonga develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They can learn to recognise patterns, make predictions, and test hypotheses, which are valuable skills in both mathematics and everyday life.
This website was created to streamline and organise resources for teaching about tukutuku. It brings together all the materials that I have developed, along with other publicly available resources into one cohesive platform. The goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for teaching Algebra through the lens of tukutuku in Aotearoa. By combining these resources, the site aims to offer a well-structured and accessible way to explore mathematical concepts within the cultural context of tukutuku, making learning both engaging and relevant.
To navigate the site, use the menu at the top of the main banner to access different pages. You can scroll through each page using the scrollbar on the right side.
Please note that, due to copyright restrictions, many photos are not uploaded directly to this site. Instead, I have provided links to specific images. However, the photos that have been used on this website either have a Creative Commons License or were photos taken recently, at the Auckland War Memorial Museum where photography was allowed (https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/visit-plan-your-visit/photography-filming).
For kaiako
Please see the Teacher Page on this site
For ākonga
There are lots of ways for ākonga to use this site. They will be able to:
1. See photos of tukutuku
2. Find the algebraic patterns in tukutuku
3. Construct algebraic tukutuku patterns using correct techniques