Athletics and Wellbeing

Lesson Overview

Unit: Athletics and Wellbeing (Lesson 1 of 5)
Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education (Level 4 – Year 9)
Time: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Big Idea: Physical activity contributes to overall wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual health (Te Whare Tapa Whā).
Key Competencies: Participating and Contributing, Relating to Others, Managing Self

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Describe how athletics connects to wellbeing using the Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
• Identify the different events they will explore throughout the unit.
• Reflect on their current perceptions of athletics and set a personal goal for the unit.

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Lesson Structure

1. Whakawhanaungatanga – Building Connections (5 minutes)

Purpose: Establishing a positive learning environment and linking athletics to health and wellbeing.

• Mihi: Begin with a brief introduction to the unit, explaining that athletics is more than just physical—it connects to hauora (wellbeing).
• Student Icebreaker: Pair students up. Each pair shares one sport or physical activity they enjoy and explains how it makes them feel (e.g., energetic, confident, connected with friends).
• Class Discussion: Lead a short discussion about why athletics might positively impact different areas of life.

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2. Te Whare Tapa Whā and Athletics (15 minutes)

Purpose: Understanding how athletics supports holistic wellbeing.

1. Introduce Te Whare Tapa Whā: Draw or display a diagram of Te Whare Tapa Whā, with an outline of its four walls:

   • Taha Tinana (Physical Wellbeing) – Strength, fitness, agility in athletics.
   • Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing) – Sense of purpose and personal achievement.
   • Taha Whānau (Social Wellbeing) – Teamwork, encouragement, and connection.
   • Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional Wellbeing) – Confidence, motivation, and stress relief.

2. Athletics Connection Activity: Break students into small groups. Each group is assigned one wall of Te Whare Tapa Whā and must brainstorm how athletics supports it.

3. Sharing: Groups quickly share their ideas. Teacher relates these back to the betterment of wellbeing through physical education.

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3. Athletics in Action – Fundamental Movements (20 minutes)

Purpose: Engaging students in fundamental athletic movements that build towards future sessions.

Activity: Athletics Circuit

Set up four stations focusing on basic movement patterns in athletics.

• Station 1: Sprint Mechanics – Quick reaction drills and short, explosive sprint bursts.

• Station 2: Jumping Power – Standing broad jump and explosive bounding.

• Station 3: Coordination & Agility – Mini hurdles and ladder drills.

• Station 4: Endurance Challenge – Partner shuttle runs.

• Students rotate in groups at each station every 4 minutes.

• Teacher provides live feedback and encouragement to ensure proper techniques and engagement.

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4. Reflection & Goal Setting (15 minutes)

Purpose: Encouraging personal reflection and future focus.

1. Think-Pair-Share: Students reflect on today’s activities using prompts:

   • What did you enjoy most?
   • Which area of Te Whare Tapa Whā did you notice the most?
   • What is one thing you want to improve by the end of this unit?

2. Individual Goal Setting: Provide students with a sticky note or small paper to write one personal goal for the unit (e.g., “I want to improve my sprint start” or “I want to feel more confident in athletics”).

3. Sharing (Optional): Students can share their goals in small groups or submit them to the teacher for reference throughout the unit.

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Teaching Strategies

• Active Participation: Students engage in movement-based tasks that support kinaesthetic learning.
• Culturally Responsive Approach: Connects with Te Whare Tapa Whā to respect and incorporate Māori perspectives.
• Collaborative Learning: Peer discussions and teamwork help build relationships and confidence.
• Personal Growth: Goal-setting encourages students to take ownership of their learning.

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Resources & Equipment

• Whiteboard & markers (for Te Whare Tapa Whā diagram)
• Cones, hurdles, and agility ladders for circuit activities
• Stopwatch (for sprint timings)
• Sticky notes or paper for goal setting

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Assessment & Next Steps

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observes students’ engagement in discussions and activities.
• Student Self-Assessment: Goal-setting activity is revisited at the end of the unit.
• Preparation for Lesson 2: Students will explore sprint techniques and reaction time drills in more depth.

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Mihi Whakamutunga – Closing Thought

"He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora" – Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth.

Reiterate that athletics is not just about competition but about personal growth and wellbeing. Encourage students to reflect on their goal and look forward to the next session.

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This lesson plan fosters a holistic, engaging introduction to athletics and wellbeing, aligning with New Zealand’s Health and Physical Education Curriculum and integrating culturally responsive teaching practices.