Building Strong Foundations

Lesson Overview

Year Level: 9
Subject: Health
Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education, Level 4 (NZ Curriculum)
Big Idea: "He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora" — Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

Lesson Objectives

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

1. Understand what Health education covers and why it is important.
2. Identify key aspects of the concept of hauora (well-being).
3. Begin building a supportive and respectful classroom culture.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction – Setting the Scene (10 minutes)

Activity: Human Connections Game

• Purpose: To immediately engage students and introduce the concept of well-being by fostering connections.
• Instructions:
  • Ask students to find one person in the room they have not spoken to before today.
  • Give them 2 minutes to share their name and one thing that makes them feel happy.
  • After 2 minutes, allow some volunteers to share what their partner said.
  • Lead a brief discussion: How does talking to others about positive things make us feel?
• Key Message: Positive interactions contribute to emotional well-being.

2. Understanding Hauora (15 minutes)

Activity: Hauora Four-Corner Sort

• Teaching Point: Introduce the Māori model of well-being – Te Whare Tapa Whā (Taha Tinana, Taha Wairua, Taha Whānau, Taha Hinengaro).
• Instructions:
  1. Label four corners of the classroom with the four dimensions of hauora:
     • Taha Tinana (Physical Well-being)
     • Taha Wairua (Spiritual Well-being)
     • Taha Whānau (Social Well-being)
     • Taha Hinengaro (Mental & Emotional Well-being)
  2. Read a statement aloud (e.g., Going for a run, Feeling connected to your culture, Talking to a friend about a problem).
  3. Students move to the corner they think best represents the statement.
  4. Briefly discuss why they chose that aspect of hauora.
• Key Message: Well-being is holistic—each part of health is connected and important.

3. Building a Supportive Class Culture (15 minutes)

Activity: Health Class Treaty

• Teaching Point: Health lessons require a safe, respectful space for open discussions.
• Instructions:
  1. Split the class into five small groups.
  2. Each group brainstorms answers to one key question:
     • How should we treat each other in this class?
     • What are some "green light" behaviours (things we should encourage)?
     • What are some "red light" behaviours (things that won’t help us learn)?
     • What does respect look like in discussions about health?
     • How can we make sure everyone feels included?
  3. Groups share back ideas.
  4. As a class, agree on 4–5 key guidelines to form a Health Class Treaty.
  5. Write it on a large poster and have students sign it.
• Key Message: We shape our learning environment together.

4. Reflection and Exit Task (5 minutes)

Activity: "One Thing I Learned Today"

• Students each write down and share one thing they learned about health or hauora today.
• Ask for a few volunteers to share aloud.
• Briefly reinforce the importance of health education and what students can look forward to this year.

Teacher Notes

• Ensure the classroom is a safe and welcoming space for open discussion.
• Use culturally responsive teaching by incorporating Māori perspectives meaningfully.
• Encourage teamwork and inclusivity in the activities.
• Adapt the lesson as needed based on student engagement and class dynamics.

Why This Will Impress Teachers

✅ Aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum (Level 4, Health & PE)
✅ Incorporates Te Ao Māori perspectives (Te Whare Tapa Whā)
✅ Engages learners with movement, discussion, and reflection
✅ Promotes classroom culture-building from the first lesson
✅ Reinforces learning through interactive activities rather than just discussion

This lesson ensures Year 9 students leave their first Health class feeling connected, curious, and confident about the year ahead. 🚀