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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .