The 5 Ways

Curriculum Area and Level

• Learning Area: Health and Physical Education
• Curriculum Level: 4 (Relevant to Year 8 students in New Zealand)
• Focus Strand: Personal Health and Development; Relationships with Other People
• Big Idea: He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora — Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the concept of the “5 Ways of Wellbeing” and how it applies to their everyday lives.
2. Identify and categorise everyday activities into the five wellbeing areas: Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Be Active.
3. Develop personal goals that incorporate actions aligned with the “5 Ways of Wellbeing”.

---

Lesson Plan Outline

1. Introduction: Setting the Scene (15 minutes)

Purpose: Establish an understanding of wellbeing and introduce the 5 Ways of Wellbeing.

1. Karakia (Opening Blessing) (2 minutes)
   Start the lesson with a simple karakia to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

   • Example: "Kia tau te rangimārie ki runga i tēnā, i tēnā o mātou" (May peace be upon each of us).

2. Icebreaker: "One Word Check-In" (5 minutes)

   • Each student shares one word that describes how they feel in that moment.
   • Write the words on the board and briefly discuss the diversity of feelings in the room, introducing the concept of individual wellbeing.

3. Introduce the 5 Ways of Wellbeing (8 minutes)

   • Display a large, coloured poster or slide with the 5 Ways of Wellbeing: Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Active.
   • Briefly explain each area in a developmentally appropriate way using simple examples:
     • Connect (e.g., spending time with whānau, chatting with a friend).
     • Give (e.g., helping someone, sharing a compliment).
     • Take Notice (e.g., appreciating nature, practising mindfulness).
     • Keep Learning (e.g., trying a new recipe, learning to read maps).
     • Be Active (e.g., walking to school, joining a sports team).

---

2. Activity 1: Group Brainstorm and Categorisation (30 minutes)

Purpose: Encourage cooperative thinking and classify everyday activities into each wellbeing area.

1. Divide the Class into Five Groups (5 minutes)

   • Each group is assigned one of the five wellbeing areas.
   • Distribute large sheets of paper and markers.

2. Brainstorming Session (15 minutes)

   • Each group writes down as many activities as possible that fit under their designated wellbeing area.
   • Encourage students to think creatively about activities from their own lives, their school, and their local community.

3. Carousel Share (10 minutes)

   • Groups rotate around the room, read other groups' sheets, and add any additional ideas they can think of.

---

3. Activity 2: Individual Reflection (20 minutes)

Purpose: Help students make personal connections to the “5 Ways of Wellbeing.”

1. Create a Personal Wellbeing Plan (15 minutes)

   • Hand out worksheets with five blank sections labelled Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Active.
   • Students choose one realistic activity from each category that they would like to try in the next week.
   • Prompt questions to include:
     • "Who will you connect with this week and how?"
     • "What will you notice or appreciate this week?"

2. Class Sharing & Discussion (5 minutes)

   • Students who feel comfortable can share one activity they’re excited to try from their personal plan.
   • Discuss how these small actions can contribute to long-term wellbeing.

---

4. Closing: Reflection and Goal Setting (10 minutes)

Purpose: Recap learning and consolidate goals for the week ahead.

1. Class Discussion (5 minutes)

   • Pose reflective questions for group discussion:
     • "Why do you think balancing the five areas helps us feel good overall?"
     • "Which area do you find easiest? Which one is challenging?"

2. Exit Task: "One Word Promise" (5 minutes)

   • Students write one word on a sticky note that represents the activity they are most committed to trying this week.
   • Place the sticky notes on a classroom wellbeing poster for visual reinforcement of their collective goals.

---

Materials Needed

• Large poster or whiteboard with the 5 Ways (Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Active).
• 5 large sheets of butcher paper (one for each category).
• Markers, pens, sticky notes.
• Customised personal reflection worksheets (with prompts for each of the 5 Ways).

---

Assessment Opportunities

• Formative: Observe group brainstorming and categorisation to assess understanding of the 5 Ways concept.
• Reflective: Review personal wellbeing plans to evaluate individual engagement with the topic.

---

Extension Activity (Optional for Early Finishers)

• Students could create artistic posters for each of the 5 Ways, featuring their brainstormed activities and illustrations. These can be displayed in the school to promote wellbeing.

---

Key Competencies

This lesson develops the following key competencies:

1. Thinking: Students think critically to identify and categorise activities related to wellbeing.
2. Managing Self: Students develop personal wellbeing plans.
3. Relating to Others: Students work collaboratively during group activities.

---

Teacher Reflection

Reflect after the lesson:

• Are students able to confidently identify activities for each of the 5 Ways?
• Did the lesson promote thoughtful discussions on personal wellbeing?
• Consider whether students engaged meaningfully with the personal reflection tasks.

Nō reira, kia kaha, mauri ora!