Connecting Through Whanaungatanga

Subject: Social Studies

Year Level: 10

Time: 45 minutes

Class Size: 12 students

Curriculum Area: Social Sciences

NZ Curriculum Level: Level 5

Learning Objectives:

1. Students will understand the concept of whanaungatanga and its importance in Māori culture.
2. Students will develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative activities.
3. Students will reflect on the importance of relationships within their own community.

Materials Needed:

• Large sheets of paper
• Coloured markers and pens
• Post-it notes
• A whiteboard and markers
• Small objects for an icebreaker activity (e.g. tokens, marbles, or small balls)

Lesson Structure:

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Karakia and Whakawhanaungatanga: - Begin with a simple karakia (prayer) to centre the students and set a positive tone. - Briefly explain the concept of whakawhanaungatanga - building relationships and making connections with others.

2. Icebreaker Activity: - Use the small objects for a quick "Getting to Know You" activity. Each student takes an object and shares one unique fact about themselves. This helps create an initial sense of connection.

Development (25 minutes)

3. Introduction to Whanaungatanga: - Discuss whanaungatanga with the class. Highlight its importance in Māori culture for fostering strong, supportive relationships.

4. Group Activity: - Divide students into 3 groups of 4. - Give each group a large sheet of paper and markers. - Each group is tasked with creating a 'Whanaungatanga Web'. In the centre of the sheet, they write 'Whanaungatanga' and draw lines outward to other concepts or people that support this value (e.g., family, friends, teachers, sports teams).

5. Discussion: - Groups share their 'Whanaungatanga Web' with the class. - Discuss the different ways whanaungatanga can be seen in various parts of life (e.g., at school, at home, in sports teams). - Encourage students to think about how they can apply whanaungatanga in their daily lives.

Hands-On Learning (10 minutes)

6. Personal Reflection: - Provide each student with post-it notes. - Ask them to write down one way they can strengthen whanaungatanga in their own lives. - Students stick their notes on a designated 'Whanaungatanga Wall' in the classroom. This creates a visual and ongoing reminder of their commitment to building relationships.

7. Role-Playing Scenarios: - Present some scenarios that challenge whanaungatanga (e.g., a new student in class, a team disagreement). - In groups, students discuss and role-play ways to address these scenarios using the principles of whanaungatanga.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

8. Class Reflection: - Gather the class to share their thoughts on the lesson. - Use the whiteboard to summarise key points about whanaungatanga and how they can implement these in their lives. - Finish with a closing karakia to end the session on a positive note.

Homework:

• Each student will interview a family member or friend about the importance of relationships in their life. They will prepare a short summary of their findings to share at the next class.

Assessment:

• Observe group interactions and participation during the class activities.
• Evaluate post-it note reflections for understanding and personal connection with whanaungatanga.
• Assess the homework interview summaries for insights and depth of understanding.

Teacher Notes:

• Ensure to create a warm, inclusive environment that encourages openness and sharing.
• Use examples that are relevant to the students' lives to illustrate the concept of whanaungatanga.
• Adapt activities as necessary to fit the unique dynamics and needs of the class.