Check-In & Wellbeing

Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education

Level: Year 10 (NZC Level 5)
Key Learning Focus: Hauora (Wellbeing) – Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

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Lesson Objectives:

• To engage students in a short, fun activity that checks on their wellbeing.
• To foster a supportive, positive classroom environment.
• To encourage open communication about emotions and self-care.

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Lesson Plan Breakdown (15 minutes total)

1. Welcome and Introduction (2 minutes)

• Greet students warmly as they arrive.
• Briefly state the purpose of today’s session:
  "Kia ora everyone! Today, we’re focusing on our wellbeing—how we’re feeling, what’s on our minds, and ways to support each other. Let's have some fun while checking in with ourselves!"

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2. Emoji Check-In (5 minutes)

Activity: Emoji Check-in

• Provide students with small cards or display a selection of emojis on the board (e.g., 😊 😐 😞 🤩 😡).
• Ask each student to pick the emoji that best represents how they are feeling today.
• In pairs or small groups, students share why they chose that emoji.
• Encourage light discussion but ensure a safe, respectful environment.

Optional Twist:

• Give students stickers and ask them to place their chosen “mood” emoji on a shared class wellbeing chart.

Purpose:

• Encourages emotional awareness and peer support.
• Normalises talking about feelings in a low-pressure way.

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3. Rapid-Fire Wellbeing Boosters (5 minutes)

Activity: Sharing Quick Wellbeing Tips

• Ask students: “What’s one small thing that makes you feel better when you’re stressed or having a tough day?”
• Have students quickly share their answers in a popcorn-style discussion (one after the other, quickly and casually).
• If needed, provide prompting ideas: listening to music, exercising, deep breathing, journaling, talking to whānau, etc.
• Write responses on the board for a shared class list.

Purpose:

• Reinforces simple, accessible coping strategies.
• Helps students learn new ways to prioritise their wellbeing.

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4. Wrap-Up & Positive Affirmation (3 minutes)

• Summarise key takeaways: "Looking after yourself and checking in with others is important. It's okay to have tough days! Always remember the strategies we’ve shared today."
• End with a group affirmation: "We are strong, we support each other, and our wellbeing matters!"
• Encourage students to check in with a friend or family member today.

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Assessment & Reflection:

• Informal observation of student engagement.
• Optional: Quick exit slip—students write down one wellbeing tip they will try this week.

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Teacher Reflection:

• Did students interact openly and positively?
• Were any students disengaged or withdrawn? Consider checking in privately later.
• How can I further support the emotional wellbeing of this class?

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Resources & Materials Needed:

• Emoji cards or printed images
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes or stickers (optional)

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Why This Works for Year 10s:

• Fun and lighthearted while tackling an important topic.
• Encourages peer-to-peer interaction rather than teacher-led discussion.
• Short, engaging, and easy to replicate regularly.

This session aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum’s Health and Physical Education strand, particularly in Mental Health – Hauora, reinforcing students' ability to identify and manage emotions while supporting others in a respectful way.