Kickstarting the Year with Digital Pīkau: Engaging Activities for Term 1 🚀

Kia ora, kaiako mā! 🎒

Welcome to a fresh new school year! The first term is all about setting the foundation for a positive, connected, and exciting learning journey. It’s the perfect time to introduce digital technologies in ways that engage ākonga (students), foster collaboration, and explore Aotearoa’s unique history and environment.

At Digital Pīkau, we provide free, high-quality, Aotearoa-specific resources that integrate digital learning into your classroom with ease. Whether you’re helping students introduce themselves, diving into a rich learning topic, or linking activities to seasonal themes, we've got the perfect resources for you.

Let’s make this term an incredible start to the year! ⬇️

🌟 Building Connections: Introductions & Identity

The start of the year is about more than just learning names—it’s about creating a classroom environment where every ākonga feels seen, valued, and excited to participate. By integrating digital technologies into introductions, we can make these activities more creative and meaningful. Whether students are coding their pepeha, designing digital name cards, or using photo booths for icebreakers, these activities help build identity and belonging.

🔹 Pepeha & Mihimihi (Scratch)

Empower students to introduce themselves in te reo Māori using a simple Scratch project. This activity teaches coding fundamentals while reinforcing cultural identity.

🔹 Basic Coding Commands (Unplugged)

A great first step into computational thinking, this unplugged activity introduces students to coding logic through a fun, screen-free challenge with bilingual English / te reo Māori flashcards. It’s a hands-on way to break the ice and develop problem-solving skills.

🔹 "Ko wai tōu ingoa?" (ScratchJr)

Perfect for younger learners, this ScratchJr project gets students coding a simple introduction animation while learning the basics of programming.

🔹 DIY Photo Booth (Digital Design)

Make introductions fun and visual with a classroom photo booth! This activity allows students to take creative pictures and design their own digital identity cards, building confidence and digital design skills.

🌏 Deep Learning: Exploring a Rich Term 1 Topic

Starting the year with an engaging, cross-curricular inquiry topic sets the tone for deep learning and critical thinking. A topic that links history, science, and technology allows students to develop research skills while making meaningful connections to Aotearoa’s past and present.

🔹 Land of Voyagers – Investigation Topic This resource takes students on an inquiry journey exploring the rich voyaging history of Aotearoa, traditional navigation techniques, and the role of digital technologies in preserving these stories. A perfect blend of history, science, and digital learning!

🏊‍♀️ Seasonal Learning: Summer, Swimming & Digital Fun!

Term 1 is all about embracing the warm weather and keeping students engaged while making the most of the summer season. Incorporating movement and hands-on digital learning activities helps reinforce key concepts while keeping things fun and interactive.

🔹 Synchronised Bots

This unique activity blends computational thinking with movement, as students program robots to perform synchronised swimming routines. Or go ‘unplugged’ and use coding logic to get your kids dancing in unison around the room. It’s a fantastic way to introduce coding in a way that is active and engaging!

🔹 Sphero Voyagers
Connect digital learning with Polynesian navigation! Students use Sphero robots to simulate traditional wayfinding techniques, linking coding and history in an interactive and culturally significant way.

🔹 Paddle Prototype

What makes a great paddle? This STEM-based design challenge lets students create and test their own paddle prototypes while learning about buoyancy, resistance, and digital design.

These activities not only reinforce key computational thinking and design concepts but also connect students with their environment and cultural heritage—making learning relevant, engaging, and fun!

🖤 Honouring Waitangi: Digital Explorations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Waitangi Day is a crucial opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Aotearoa’s history and the ongoing significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. By incorporating digital technologies into these discussions, students can engage in hands-on activities that encourage critical thinking and meaningful conversations.

🔹 Sorting Te Tiriti, Unplugged
This activity is an interactive, discussion-based extension that allows students to explore the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It’s a fantastic way to bring this important topic to life in your classroom.

📢 Wrapping Up: Kickstart the Year with Confidence!

The start of the school year is the perfect time to integrate engaging, hands-on digital learning into your classroom. Whether you’re focusing on introductions, rich inquiry topics, seasonal learning, or historical explorations, Digital Pīkau provides free, high-quality resources to support your teaching.

💡 Have you tried any of these activities? We’d love to hear how they went in your classroom! Share your feedback with us or tag us on social media.

📩 Want more free digital resources throughout the year? Stay connected with us at Digital Pīkau for regular updates and fresh ideas!

🚀 Let’s make Term 1 an unforgettable learning adventure!