Kotahitanga: We Rise Together

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 8 students in New Zealand and is the fourth lesson in the unit "🌿 Kaiārahi Journey: Camp Ready." The focus is on building capabilities in collaboration and whanaungatanga (relationship-building) through collective problem-solving and inclusive practices. The lesson also connects practical camp skills involving group dynamics, empathetic support, and teamwork within cabin and activity groups. It aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, particularly the Health learning area (Phase 3) under "Relationships with other people."

---

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate empathy and perspective-taking to build positive relationships.
• Identify how group dynamics affect emotional wellbeing and success.
• Practice emotional regulation skills in teamwork.
• Apply inclusive practices to collaboratively problem-solve.
• Reflect on the whakataukī ‘He waka eke noa’ and its teamwork meaning.

---

---

Curriculum Links

• Health and Physical Education – Relationships with other people (Phase 3):
• Develop skills for positive group interactions by recognising and respecting differences.
• Apply inclusive practices to engage effectively in group problem-solving.
• Understand how emotions and behaviours impact group wellbeing.
• Key Competencies:
• Relating to others: Practice empathy, perspective-taking, and communication skills.
• Managing self: Use emotional regulation strategies during complex group interactions.
• Participating and contributing: Collaborate positively within diverse teams.
• Whakataukī Theme:
• 'He waka eke noa' — The whole canoe is equally shared by all aboard; metaphor for collective responsibility and support.

---

Resources Needed

• Large paper or whiteboard and markers
• Scenario cards with teamwork challenges
• Reflection sheets or journals
• Visual of the whakataukī ‘He waka eke noa’ (optional)
• Calm music or mindfulness bell (optional)

---

---

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description
5 mins	Mihi and Whakataukī Introduction	Greet class; introduce and discuss ‘He waka eke noa’ proverb.
10 mins	Empathy and Perspective-Taking Activity	In groups, share stories and role-play empathetic responses.
12 mins	Group Dynamics and Emotional Awareness	Discuss scenarios; explore feelings and supportive behaviours.
10 mins	Emotional Regulation Practice	Practice breathing and role-play managing emotions.
5 mins	Group Reflection and Discussion	Share insights; reflect on helping the group rise together.
3 mins	Closure and Next Steps	Summarise learning; set expectations for next lesson.

---

---

Detailed Activity Descriptions

1. Mihi and Whakataukī Introduction (5 minutes)

• Brief greeting (mihi).
• Explain ‘He waka eke noa’ meaning.
• Connect to group responsibility and camp activities.

---

2. Empathy and Perspective-Taking Activity (10 minutes)

• Small groups (5-6) share a scenario of feeling left out.
• Role-play empathetic responses using "I" statements.
• Practice respectful listening and perspective-taking.

---

3. Group Dynamics and Emotional Awareness (12 minutes)

• Present teamwork challenge scenarios.
• Groups discuss feelings, helpful/hindering behaviours, and support strategies.
• Record ideas on paper or whiteboard.

---

4. Emotional Regulation Practice (10 minutes)

• Introduce deep breathing or grounding techniques.
• Guide class through a brief calming exercise.
• Role-play managing frustration in teamwork.

---

5. Group Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes)

• Circle sharing of collaboration and empathy insights.
• Write brief reflections on supporting their group.
• Revisit whakataukī connection to teamwork.

---

6. Closure and Next Steps (3 minutes)

• Summarise cooperation and emotional awareness importance.
• Set expectations for next lesson.
• Encourage reflection on group roles before camp.

---

Assessment and Evidence of Learning

• Formative: Observe empathy, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation during activities.
• Success Criteria: Students demonstrate inclusive problem-solving and reflect on whakataukī meaning.

---

---

Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide varied group roles to suit different strengths.
• Use visual aids and clear instructions.
• Offer additional support or extension tasks as needed.

---

---