Lesson Plan: Exploring Health and Wellbeing through Literacy

Subject: Literacy

Year Level: Year 7

Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 15 students

Focus:

Using the book "Mental Health Education and Hauora" from the New Zealand Health Education Association (NZHEA) to explore themes of health and wellbeing, specifically focusing on mental health, resilience, and identity.

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New Zealand Curriculum Alignment:

• Curriculum Area: English
• Level: Level 4 (Years 7 and 8)
• Strand: Making Meaning (listening, reading, and viewing)
• Key Competencies: Thinking; Using Language, Symbols, and Texts; Managing Self

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Understand key concepts around mental health and wellbeing.
2. Analyse and discuss characters’ actions and motivations in the context of mental health.
3. Reflect on personal experiences and societal views of mental health.

Resources Needed:

• Copies of "Mental Health Education and Hauora" – NZHEA Resource Link
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector or smart board for displaying questions and relevant images
• Writing notebooks and pens for each student
• Link to the New Zealand curriculum guide: NZ Curriculum Online

Lesson Outline:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Begin with a short introduction to mental health and its importance in our overall wellbeing.
2. Discuss the stigmatization of mental health issues in society and why it's important to have open conversations.
3. Introduce the book, giving background on its purpose and relevance to today’s lesson.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

Group Reading and Discussion:

1. Reading Session (10 minutes): Students will read selected excerpts from "Mental Health Education and Hauora" that focus on a character experiencing a mental health challenge.
2. Group Discussion (15 minutes): Break the class into small groups to discuss:
   • How the character handled their challenges.
   • Different support mechanisms that could be beneficial.
   • Personal reflections or connections students can make with the scenario.

Reflection and Personal Connection (10 minutes)

1. Each student writes a brief paragraph in their notebooks reflecting on:
   • One new thing they learned about mental health.
   • How they can apply this understanding to support peers facing similar challenges.
2. Share some reflections with the class if students are comfortable doing so, promoting an open and supportive environment.

Conclusion:

• Recap the main points discussed in today’s lesson.
• Highlight the importance of understanding and supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Encourage students to use what they’ve learned today to foster positive and understanding interactions relating to mental health.

Assessment:

• Participation in group discussions
• Reflective paragraphs assessing comprehension and personal connection to the topic.

Additional Information and Support:

For more resources on teaching mental health and to download the necessary materials, visit NZHEA.