Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Overview

In this 60-minute lesson, Year 7 students will explore the mental and emotional dimension of Hauora, focusing on understanding mental health, recognising emotions, and developing coping strategies. Through role-play and mindfulness exercises, students will enhance their knowledge and skills for emotional regulation and mental wellbeing.

This lesson is Lesson 3 of 6 in the unit "Understanding Hauora Dimensions," aligning closely with the Health and Physical Education learning area of the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, supporting the development of well-being, identity, and self-management.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Describe the mental and emotional dimension of Hauora and its importance to overall well-being (Health and Physical Education: Well-being strand).
• Identify a range of emotions and explain how mental health affects daily life.
• Demonstrate and evaluate coping strategies for managing emotions and mental health challenges.
• Practice emotional regulation through mindfulness techniques.
• Collaborate effectively in role-play scenarios to explore real-life emotional situations.

Curriculum Alignment:

• Health and Physical Education Learning Area – Well-being Strand

  • Level 4 (Year 7): Students understand that emotions affect self and others; they develop strategies to manage emotions positively.

• Key Competencies Addressed:

  • Managing self — developing emotional regulation and coping strategies.
  • Relating to others — showing empathy in role-plays and discussions.
  • Participating and contributing — active engagement in group activities and reflection.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Emotion cards (illustrated emotions)
• Scenario cards for role-play (prepared beforehand)
• Mindfulness audio or script (5-minute guided exercise)
• Reflection journals or sheets
• Timer

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Lesson Structure and Timing

Time	Activity	Details
5 minutes	Introduction & Warm-up	Brief class discussion: "What is mental and emotional wellbeing?" Engage prior knowledge. Introduce Hauora's mental/emotional dimension.
15 minutes	Exploring Emotions	Use emotion cards to name/describe emotions. Discuss the impact of mental well-being on behaviour and relationships.
20 minutes	Role-Playing Scenarios	In groups of 4, students receive scenario cards depicting emotional challenges. Role-play and discuss coping strategies and empathy responses.
10 minutes	Mindfulness Exercise	Lead a mindfulness breathing or body scan exercise. Discuss how mindfulness supports mental wellbeing and emotional regulation.
5 minutes	Reflection and Sharing	Students write or share aloud what they learned about mental/emotional wellbeing, coping, and mindfulness.
5 minutes	Closure and Next Steps	Summarise key points. Preview next lesson on Hauora’s social dimension. Assign optional journaling on personal coping strategies.

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Detailed Activities

1. Introduction & Warm-up (5 mins)

• Begin by asking: "What does mental and emotional wellbeing mean to you?"
• Introduce the mental and emotional dimension of Hauora as integral to being healthy in mind and feelings.
• Use simplified Hauora model visual if available (Taha hinengaro).
• Highlight why understanding and managing emotions helps us cope with life’s challenges.

2. Exploring Emotions (15 mins)

• Show emotion cards (e.g., happy, sad, angry, anxious, calm).
• Invite students to name an emotion and share when they might feel that way.
• Connect emotions to how we behave and how others might react.
• Discuss why caring for mental health matters (reducing stress, improving relationships).

3. Role-Playing Scenarios (20 mins)

• Divide students into groups of 4 (5 groups of 4).
• Distribute role-play scenario cards illustrating situations like dealing with frustration, peer pressure, disappointment, anxiety, or managing conflict.
• Each group assigns roles and acts out their scenario.
• After each role-play, prompt students to identify emotions and discuss coping strategies applied.
• Encourage empathy by having students suggest supportive ways to respond.

4. Mindfulness Exercise (10 mins)

• Guide students through a 5-minute mindfulness exercise focusing on breathing or body awareness.
• Use a calm, slow tone and simple instructions suitable for Year 7.
• After the exercise, briefly discuss how pausing and focusing can help manage emotions and stress.

5. Reflection and Sharing (5 mins)

• Have students write or share one new coping strategy they learned or one feeling they related to today.
• Encourage use of specific emotion vocabulary (e.g., "I felt anxious when... but practising deep breathing helped me calm down.").

6. Closure and Next Steps (5 mins)

• Recap key concepts: mental/emotional wellbeing, importance of recognising emotions, coping strategies, and mindfulness.
• Link to next lesson’s focus on social wellbeing.
• Suggest students try one coping strategy during the week and note how it affects their feelings.

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Assessment and Evaluation

• Formative: Teacher observation during role-play and discussions, noting students’ understanding of emotions and effective coping strategies.
• Reflection: Students’ verbal or written reflections on what they learned about mental/emotional wellbeing.
• Self-assessment: Use a simple scale (e.g., “I can recognise my emotions,” “I can use a calming technique”) to encourage metacognition as per Te Mataiaho guidance.

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Teaching Considerations

• Be sensitive to students’ diverse experiences with mental health and emotional regulation; provide a safe and supportive atmosphere.
• Use culturally responsive practices, including recognition of Māori perspectives (e.g., the holistic Hauora model).
• Scaffold vocabulary by modelling and using sentence stems for emotional expression and coping strategies.
• Include opportunities for students to practise emotional regulation in real-time (mindfulness), building self-management skills reflecting curriculum goals.
• Encourage positive language and self-talk for perseverance and self-efficacy.

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This lesson plan incorporates active learning, discussion, and reflective practice to align with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh's focus on health education and Hauora, preparing Year 7 students with valuable mental health knowledge and skills .