Foundations of Respect

Year 7, 45 Minutes

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Unit: Hokakatanga: Embracing Our Identity

Lesson 6 of 11

Lesson Title: Healthy Relationships: Foundations of Respect

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify characteristics of positive relationships, focusing on respect and consent.
• Analyze biblical texts (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Luke 10:27) to understand empathy and respect.
• Connect healthy relationships with personal identity and link these insights with Health and Physical Education and Religious Education curricula.

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Curriculum Alignment

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh

• Learning Area: Religious Education (supported by Health and Physical Education)

• Achievement Objectives (AOs):

  • Health and PE:
    • AO 2.3 – Understands how respect and empathy contribute to positive relationships.
    • AO 3.4 – Demonstrates ways to establish and maintain respectful relationships.
  • Religious Education: Tō Tātou Whakapono
    • AO 3.2 – Explores and reflects on values and beliefs that enhance respectful interpersonal relationships.

• Key Competencies:

  • Relating to others – empathising, communicating, negotiating.
  • Managing self – demonstrating responsibility and respect for self and others.

• Values: Respect, Integrity, Community and Participation for the Common Good.

• References:

  • Amoris Laetitia, Chapter 12 (on forming loving, respectful relationships)
  • National Catholic Religious Studies (NCRS) 2021, p. 35 (on relationship foundations)

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what respect and consent mean in a relationship.
• I can identify characteristics of positive relationships using biblical texts.
• I can discuss empathy and how it helps build healthy relationships.
• I can link respect and empathy to my personal identity and wellbeing.

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Lesson Outline (45 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Link
0-5 min	Introduction & Success Criteria	Set context: "Hokakatanga: Embracing Our Identity" unit with focus on respect in relationships. Present WALT and success criteria.	AO 3.2 Religious Ed; AO 2.3 Health & PE
5-15 min	Scripture Exploration: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7	Read aloud together. Use interactive questioning: What do patience, kindness, not envying or boasting mean in friendships? Discuss how these describe respect and consent.	Religious Education AO 3.2; Values: Respect
15-25 min	Empathy in Action: Luke 10:27	Read the “Love your neighbour as yourself” verse. Discuss empathy’s role in relationships. Link to consent – understanding others' feelings. Use a role-play: scenarios showing empathy and respect/non-respect.	Health & PE AO 3.4; Key Competencies: Relating to Others
25-35 min	Group Brainstorm: Characteristics of Positive Relationships	Students in groups write characteristics of positive relationships on chart paper: respect, trust, consent, communication, empathy. Groups share. Teacher records key points visually on whiteboard.	AO 2.3 Health & PE; AO 3.2 Religious Education; Values
35-40 min	Reflection & Personal Connection	Students individually write or draw how they can show respect and empathy in their friendships and family. Links identity to relationships.	Managing Self Key Competency
40-45 min	Plenary & Exit Pass	Quick round: Name 1 characteristic of a healthy relationship they will remember. Exit pass: "One way I can show respect to others is..."	Formative assessment aligned with success criteria

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Teaching & Learning Strategies

• Explicit Teaching: Clear explanation of respect, empathy, consent with scripture references.
• Interactive Discussion: Guided questions to promote critical thinking about biblical texts.
• Collaborative Learning: Group brainstorming to enhance social skills and shared knowledge.
• Reflective Practice: Personal reflection to deepen self-awareness and link to identity.
• Role-Play: Engages students in empathy and consent scenarios to concretise understanding.

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Resources

• Bibles or printed copies of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Luke 10:27 (simplified language if needed).
• Chart paper, markers for group work.
• Whiteboard or interactive board for recording key points.
• Reflection sheets or journals.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide sentence starters for writing reflections for students needing support.
• Use paired reading or choral reading for diverse reading abilities.
• Role-play roles assigned to match student confidence and ability.
• Cultural responsiveness: Acknowledge diverse family and relationship constructs aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of group discussions and role-play demonstrating understanding of respect and empathy.
• Written/drawn reflections assessed against success criteria for personal connection and understanding.
• Exit pass used for immediate formative feedback on lesson impact.

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Cross-Curricular Connections

• Health and Physical Education: Focus on emotional well-being and relationship management.
• Religious Education: Reflection on moral and spiritual values from scripture and Church teachings (Amoris Laetitia).
• English: Developing vocabulary and comprehension through scripture text analysis.

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This lesson supports Year 7 students in developing a strong foundation of respect and empathy within relationships, fostering their personal identity in line with the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum, and specifically connects Religious Education with Health and Physical Education learning outcomes to provide a holistic approach.

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If you would like, I can also provide a printable worksheet or teacher guide notes to accompany this lesson plan.