Introduction to Hauora

Lesson Overview

Curriculum Area and Level: Health and Physical Education, Level 4
Unit Title: "Hauora: A Holistic Journey"
Lesson Title: Introduction to Hauora: Understanding the Dimensions
Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 Year 9 students

Learning Objective

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the concept of Hauora and its significance to holistic well-being in a New Zealand context.
• Identify the four dimensions of Hauora (physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being) and how they interconnect.
• Begin reflecting on their own well-being and recognise the importance of balancing these dimensions for overall health.

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Lesson Plan

1. Karakia and Whakawhanaungatanga (5 minutes)

1. Start with a karakia (Māori prayer/statement of intent) to set the tone for a reflective and respectful health lesson.
2. Conduct a quick round of whakawhanaungatanga (relationship-building): ask students for one word that describes how they feel starting this unit.
   • Example question: "If your well-being were an object today, what would it be and why?" (e.g., "a car that needs petrol" or "a blooming flower").
3. Emphasise the importance of creating a safe space to respect others’ contributions.

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2. Introduction to Hauora (10 minutes)

Teacher Presentation:

• Use a visual aid or diagram (e.g., a simple poster of the Hauora model or drawn on a board) to explain the Māori concept of Hauora as a holistic view of well-being.
• Briefly outline the four dimensions:
  • Taha Tinana (Physical Well-being): The ability to care for and strengthen our bodies.
  • Taha Hinengaro (Mental and Emotional Well-being): Thoughts, feelings, and understanding emotions.
  • Taha Whānau (Social Well-being): Relationships, family, and belonging.
  • Taha Wairua (Spiritual Well-being): Connection to values, purpose, and meaning.

Interactive Note:

• Refer to the whakataukī: He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora – “Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth.”
• Invite brief student questions to clarify the concepts if needed.

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3. Group Activity: Hauora Matching Game (20 minutes)

Purpose:

To help students understand how the dimensions of Hauora are interconnected, using relatable and everyday examples.

Materials:

• Prepare four “dimension boards” around the classroom (one for each dimension of Hauora).
• Provide a set of example scenario cards (examples below).

Instructions:

1. Divide students into groups of 5–6. Assign each group a colour or team name.
2. Each group is given a pack of scenario cards (written examples of actions or situations like exercising, talking to a friend, meditating, eating a healthy meal, spending time with family).
3. Task: As a group, they must decide which Hauora dimension the card best fits and attach it to the corresponding dimension board.
   • Example scenarios:
     • Taha Tinana: Going for a daily walk.
     • Taha Hinengaro: Keeping a diary to organise your thoughts.
     • Taha Whānau: Playing a sport with friends.
     • Taha Wairua: Practising gratitude or following a cultural tradition.

Wrap-up:

• Once all cards are placed, facilitate a classroom discussion to review the placements.
• Ask students how each card might connect to multiple dimensions (to show their interdependence).

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4. Personal Connection: Hauora Reflection Journal (15 minutes)

Purpose:

To encourage students to reflect on their own health and well-being using the Hauora framework.

Instructions:

1. Distribute small notebooks or reflection sheets for students’ Hauora Journal.
2. Ask students to create a 4-quadrant Hauora chart on their first page. For each dimension of Hauora, they must write or draw:
   • Something they currently do to support that dimension of their well-being.
   • Something they’d like to try to better care for that dimension.

Example Prompts:

• Taha Tinana: “I already eat breakfast each morning, but I’d like to try stretching before bed.”
• Taha Hinengaro: “I like journaling my thoughts, but I want to focus more on positive self-talk.”

3. If time allows, encourage voluntary sharing of one of their reflections with the class (or a small group).
4. Emphasise that students will revisit and add to their journals throughout the unit.

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5. Closing Circle: Hauora in Everyday Life (10 minutes)

Purpose:

To summarise and provide real-world context for understanding Hauora.

Activity:

• Ask the class: “Why is looking at health and well-being as a whole important, not just focusing on one part?”
• Have students share examples from today’s lesson where they personally saw all four dimensions come together.
  • For instance: Playing rugby (Taha Tinana, Taha Whānau, and Taha Hinengaro), or spending a quiet afternoon writing poetry (Taha Wairua and Taha Hinengaro).
• Reaffirm that this holistic approach helps us prioritise balance and promotes overall well-being.

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Extension/Homework Activity

• Ask students to observe one activity over the next day that benefits multiple dimensions of their Hauora. Write or draw a short entry in their Hauora Journal describing the experience.

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Assessment for Learning

Informal:

• Observe participation during the Hauora Matching Game for engagement and understanding.
• Review their Hauora Journal entries for thoughtful reflection and evidence of personal connection.

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Resources Needed

1. Hauora diagram (teacher-created visual or class-drawn chart).
2. Pre-made scenario cards for the matching activity.
3. Notebooks or reflection sheets for Hauora Journals.
4. Student-friendly markers/pens.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

How did it go?

• Were students engaged and showing understanding of the four dimensions?
• Was the matching game appropriately challenging and interactive?
• Did students connect personally to Hauora in their journals and class discussions?

Opportunities for Improvement:

• Consider more kinaesthetic or hands-on activities for highly active classes.
• Prepare additional real-world examples to clarify concepts further in the next lesson.

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End of Lesson One. Ready to help students dive deeper into their holistic journey!