Understanding Hauora

Overview

Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education

Level: Level 4 (Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum)

Unit: Holistic Health Journey (Lesson 1 of 8)

Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Age Group: Year 9

Lesson Description

In this introduction to Hauora, students will explore the four dimensions of wellbeing—taha tinana (physical), taha wairua (spiritual), taha whānau (social), and taha hinengaro (mental & emotional). They will examine how these aspects interconnect and discuss ways to strengthen their overall wellbeing.

This lesson will emphasise the Big Idea that hauora needs to be approached through a holistic understanding (as outlined in the NCEA Level 1 Health Studies guidelines). Students will engage in a mix of interactive discussions, reflection activities, and group work to personalise their understanding of Hauora.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify and explain the four dimensions of Hauora and their significance.
2. Examine how these dimensions interact in daily life.
3. Reflect on their own wellbeing and how they can improve one area of Hauora.

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Lesson Structure

1. Karakia and Introduction (5 mins)

• Begin with a welcoming karakia or moment of mindfulness.
• Briefly introduce Hauora as a holistic Māori concept unique to Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Establish learning intentions and success criteria for the lesson.

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2. Engaging Starter: Hauora Walk (10 mins)

Objective: Encourage students to discover the everyday connections between Hauora and their own experiences.

• Instructions: Label four corners of the room with the dimensions of Hauora (Taha Tinana, Taha Wairua, Taha Whānau, and Taha Hinengaro).
• Teacher calls out different statements (e.g., Going for a run, Talking to a friend about a problem, Practising gratitude).
• Students move to the corner they believe is most relevant to the statement.
• Discussion: Ask for volunteers to explain why they chose their dimension. Challenge the class to identify connections between multiple dimensions.

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3. Deep Dive: Understanding the Four Dimensions (10 mins)

Activity: Hauora Group Challenge

1. Divide class into four teams (each assigned one dimension).
2. Provide each team with a large sheet of paper and markers.
3. Teams brainstorm examples of how their assigned Hauora dimension impacts someone's daily life.
4. Quick gallery walk where students move around the room to review each group's ideas.

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4. Personal Reflection: My Hauora Snapshot (10 mins)

• Hand out "My Hauora Snapshot" reflection sheets (divided into four sections for each dimension).
• Students spend five minutes self-reflecting on the strengths and areas they want to improve in their own wellbeing.
• Think-Pair-Share: In pairs, students discuss one area of Hauora they want to focus on improving and one action step they can take this week to strengthen that area.

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5. Wrap-Up & Exit Ticket (5 mins)

• Whole class recap of key learnings and final thoughts.
• Exit ticket question: "Which dimension of Hauora do you think is the strongest in your life, and which one would you like to improve?" Students write their answer on a sticky note and place it on the whiteboard as they leave.
• Karakia or positive reflection to close the lesson.

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Assessment & Next Steps

• Formative assessment: Observation of student participation in discussions, group brainstorming, and reflection sheets.
• Next Lesson: Exploring how external influences (e.g., whānau, school, social media) impact Hauora.

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Resources Needed

• Large sheets of paper & markers
• Hauora Snapshot Reflection Sheets
• Sticky notes
• Labels for the four corners of the room

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Teacher Reflection

• Did students grasp the holistic nature of Hauora?
• Were the activities engaging and age-appropriate?
• Are there students who may need additional support in developing their understanding of wellbeing?

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Why This Lesson Works

✅ Culturally Responsive: Embedded in Māori models of wellbeing
✅ Student-Centred: Encourages movement & interactive learning
✅ Holistic Approach: Supports self-reflection & social connection

This engaging introduction ensures students not only understand Hauora but also begin applying it to their own lives. By grounding their learning in personal experiences, we empower them to take charge of their own wellbeing. 🌱