Holistic Health

Lesson Plan: Introduction to Hauora (Lesson 1 of 5)

Curriculum Area

Health and Physical Education
Level: Curriculum Level 4 (Year 9), NCEA Foundation

Big Idea

Hauora needs to be approached through a holistic understanding. Hauora is an important Māori philosophy of holistic wellbeing, connected to physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.

Lesson Overview

Students will explore the concept of hauora and its four dimensions: taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha whānau (social), and taha wairua (spiritual). This introductory lesson will include class discussions, a collaborative activity, and personal reflection. Students will identify real-life examples of these dimensions in practice, connecting to their own lives to develop an initial sense of holistic wellbeing.

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Learning Outcomes

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

1. Define hauora and its four dimensions.
2. Identify specific examples of each dimension in the context of their own lives.
3. Explain the interconnection between the dimensions and how they contribute to overall wellbeing.

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Resources Required

• Whiteboard and markers.
• Pens and notebooks for each student.
• A3 paper (1 per group).
• Coloured markers or crayons.
• Laminated cards displaying the four dimensions of hauora (e.g., Taha Tinana, Taha Hinengaro, Taha Whānau, Taha Wairua).
• Visual representation diagram of Te Whare Tapa Whā (Mason Durie’s model of health) for display.
• Pre-prepared scenarios describing common situations students may face, touching on one or more hauora dimensions (e.g., playing sports, spending time with family, feeling anxious before exams).

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Lesson Structure

1. Whakawhanaungatanga – Establishing Connections (10 minutes)

1. Begin with a warm welcome to the class, acknowledging the importance of the topic by explaining how understanding hauora can enhance their personal and collective wellbeing. Use whakataukī:
   "He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora" (Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth).

2. Icebreaker activity:

   • Ask, “What does being healthy mean to you?”
   • Go around the class allowing each student to share a word or short phrase (e.g., "playing rugby," "spending time with friends," "laughing," "getting good sleep").
   • Write key words on the whiteboard and explain these words fit within the broader concept of holistic well-being.

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2. Teaching Hauora – Core Concept Explanation (15 minutes)

1. Introduce hauora as a uniquely Māori philosophy of holistic wellbeing, explaining the four dimensions briefly. Use the Te Whare Tapa Whā diagram (a house with four walls) to illustrate how each dimension is like a wall of a whare (house).

   • Taha Tinana (Physical health): Relates to the body, caring for your physical self (e.g., exercise, hygiene).
   • Taha Hinengaro (Mental/emotional health): Thoughts and feelings (e.g., managing stress, expressing emotions).
   • Taha Whānau (Social health): Relationships and support from others, including whānau (e.g., friendships, teamwork).
   • Taha Wairua (Spiritual health): Sense of purpose, identity, and connection to something bigger (e.g., culture, values, nature).

2. Facilitate a short discussion:

   • Ask, “What might happen to a whare if one of its walls were to fall down?”
   • Encourage students to share ideas about how the dimensions of hauora are interconnected and why balance is essential.

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3. Interactive Activity – Applying Hauora (20 minutes)

Group Task: Hauora in Action

1. Divide students into five groups (5 students each). Each group will be given one of the following tasks tied to a specific hauora dimension:

   • Group 1: Create a poster illustrating taha tinana (physical health) using examples like sports, eating healthy, or getting sleep.
   • Group 2: Create a poster illustrating taha hinengaro (mental/emotional health) using examples like stress management or talking with a trusted adult.
   • Group 3: Create a poster illustrating taha whānau (social health) using examples like spending time with family or teamwork.
   • Group 4: Create a poster illustrating taha wairua (spiritual health) using examples like cultural identity, connecting with nature, or practising gratitude.
   • Group 5: Create a representation of the Te Whare Tapa Whā diagram, showing how the dimensions connect and depend on one another.

2. Each group uses A3 paper and colourful markers to design their poster. Focus on creativity while including examples relevant to their lives.

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4. Sharing and Class Discussion (10 minutes)

1. Each group presents their poster to the class, explaining:

   • Their dimension of hauora.
   • Two real-life examples of how this dimension impacts wellbeing.
   • Why it is important to overall holistic health.

2. As a class, discuss the presentations:

   • “Did you notice any overlaps between the examples shared?”
   • “How do the walls of hauora support each other?”

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5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

1. Hand out sticky notes to each student. Ask them to complete the sentence:

   • “One way I can improve or maintain my taha _______ is by ______.”
   • Students stick their notes to a board under the headings of the four hauora dimensions (choose the dimension they wrote about).

2. Conclude by reiterating that hauora is unique to New Zealand and grounded in Māori philosophy, but its lessons can benefit everyone. Encourage students to start thinking about their own wellbeing and how all aspects of their hauora are interconnected.

3. Introduce the next lesson: Exploring decision-making and its impact on hauora.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observe discussions during the icebreaker and sharing phases to gauge students’ baseline understanding.
• Collect group posters and sticky notes to assess comprehension and ability to connect with the hauora framework.

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Extension/Challenge

• Ask students to think of a time when one dimension of hauora was impacted in their lives. How did this affect the other dimensions? Encourage deeper reflection as homework.
• Build opportunities for students to explore another cultural approach to wellbeing (e.g., Pacific concepts like the Fonofale model).

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Teacher Notes

• Be sensitive when discussing mental and spiritual health, acknowledging diverse values and experiences in the classroom.
• Provide opportunities for students to ask questions if they are unsure about the concepts.
• Use inclusive examples that relate to students’ everyday lives and experiences.

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This lesson introduces Hauora in a way that honours its cultural origins while making it relevant for Year 9 students using creative team-based activities. The combination of visual aids, discussion, and individual reflection ensures all learning styles are catered to while setting a strong foundation for the rest of the unit.