Unit #4: Whanaungatanga in Action

Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education
Level: Level 3 of the New Zealand Curriculum
Strand: Movement Concepts and Motor Skills / Relationships with Others
Focus: Building teamwork, trust, movement skills, and honouring Christian values such as kindness, perseverance, and community.

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🌟 Overview

This four-lesson PE sequence focuses on individual movement foundations, non-competitive collaboration, leadership, and inclusiveness. Lessons are interactive and cater to multiple learning needs through kinaesthetic play, visuals, music/rhythm, and simplified instructions.

Each lesson actively supports Christian values, such as respect, service to others, and kindness while nurturing hauora – the holistic wellbeing of students.

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🧭 Lesson 1: Move and Connect

Time: 30 minutes
Setting: Outdoor
WALT: We are learning to move with control and build trust by working together.

➕ Success Criteria

• I can show safe movement when navigating space.
• I can trust and listen to my buddy.
• I can show kindness by including others.

🧩 Warm-Up – “Follow the Rhythm” Game (5 mins)

• Students follow a rhythmic clapping/movement pattern led by the teacher (e.g. clap-jump-spin).
• Incorporate fun dance-style movement with music to get everyone warm.

👫Activity – Trust Circuit (20 mins total)

Organise students into buddy pairs (pre-planned to support social dynamics and diverse needs). Switch roles between each mini-task:

A. Blindfold Trust Walk (5 mins)

• One buddy is blindfolded and the other leads them safely through a simple obstacle course using only verbal instructions.

Differentiation: Picture cue cards for dyslexic student to help sequence the task. Use tactile guidance for those who struggle with verbal instruction.

B. Buddy Balance Challenge (5 mins)

• In pairs: sit back-to-back, arms linked, and try to stand without letting go.

Extension: Try it in groups of three.

C. Blessing Ball Pass (10 mins)

• Circle formation. Each student gently throws a soft ball to another while saying something kind (“You are a great friend”, “Your smile is awesome!” etc.).

🌀 Cool Down (5 mins)

• Calm walk/lap around the area, deep breathing, with music.
  Final Reflection Prompt: “How did being kind and trusting feel today?”

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🧠 Lesson 2: Games with Purpose

Time: 30 minutes
Setting: Indoors or shaded area WALT: We are learning to develop teamwork by playing games that need communication.

➕ Success Criteria

• I can follow instructions in a fast-paced game.
• I can help my team, showing fairness and encouragement.
• I can play with honesty and patience.

🌈 Warm-Up: Animal Movers (5 mins)

• Call out animals and their movement (e.g., “Frog!” - frog jumps; “Elephant!” - slow heavy steps).
• Adds fun unpredictability and develops balance and coordination.

🤝Activity – Cooperative Relays (20 mins total)

A. Balloon Relay of Joy (10 mins)

• Teams of four. Carry balloon across a short distance without hands (head to head, shoulder to shoulder). Drop = restart.

Support: Assign partner roles that match strengths, e.g. a confident student paired with someone needing more support.

B. Bible Value Freeze Tag (10 mins)

• One or two students are taggers. When tagged, others freeze. To unfreeze a friend, someone must say a Christian value (e.g., “Love”, “Forgiveness”).

Adaptation: Design a large chart with symbols next to values for visual learners.

🙌 Cool Down Reflection Prayer (5 mins)

• Gentle stretching in a circle. End with a short student-led prayer thanking God for friendship and fun.

Option: Students can draw a “kindness symbol” they saw or felt after class.

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🚀 Lesson 3: Movement Masterpieces

Time: 30 minutes
Setting: Indoor or covered outdoor court/hall WALT: We are learning to express ideas and feelings through movement.

➕ Success Criteria

• I can move in a pattern to tell a story.
• I can work with a group and stay focused.
• I can show emotions in my movement.

🎨 Warm-Up: Emotion Moves (5 mins)

• Teacher calls out feelings (happy, angry, peaceful) and students create movements to show them (e.g. fast high jumps for excited, slow flowing arms for peaceful).

🏞️ Activity – Movement Storytelling (20 mins)

Choose a Bible story with action elements (e.g., Daniel in the Lion’s Den or Noah’s Ark). Students break into pairs or small groups (teacher assigned). Each group selects part of the story and turns it into a movement sequence.

Differentiation:

• Visual support (storyboard cards with illustrations).
• Students may perform solo with a teacher assistant.
• Allow still images/freezes for students who struggle with continuous movement.

Extension: Add rhythmic music or use scarves to enhance expression.

🧘 Cool Down – “Peaceful Path” Walk + Reflection (5 mins)

• Place words around the space: Grace, Mercy, Joy, Trust.
• Students walk slowly, stopping to think of a time they showed that virtue. Option to quietly share with the class or journal/draw after class.

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🌟 Lesson 4: Serving Through Sport

Time: 30 minutes
Setting: Outdoor
WALT: We are learning to play modified sports while showing service and leadership.

➕ Success Criteria

• I can support my teammates during a game.
• I can lead or follow instructions to help the team.
• I can show fairness and care in competition.

💪 Warm-Up – “Tag and Compliment” (5 mins)

• When tagged, the student must say a compliment to the tagger before rejoining. Builds encouragement and kindness.

🏐 Main Activity – Service Stations (20 mins)

Set up 4 rotating stations, 5 minutes each:

1. Mini Netball Toss – Pass and catch in pairs, scoring ‘team’ goals.
2. Obstacle Kindness Race – Move through cones and help your buddy at some point.
3. Leadership Bowling – Guide a buddy to bowl using a blindfold; instructions only!
4. Jump Rope Encouragement – Groups take turns skipping, with cheering rotations.

Differentiation:

• Peer buddy system
• Allow students to opt-in to explanation roles if they enjoy verbal tasks
• Use cards with visuals for station reminders

Extension Challenge: Students lead one of the stations with adult supervision.

💛 Cool Down and Debrief (5 mins)

Circle Check-In:

• “How did someone serve/help you today?”
• “What will you try to do for someone in our next class?”

Teacher reads a short verse: Philippians 2:4 – ‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.’

Ask students to choose one way they'll serve someone in the playground this week.

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📚 Cross-Curricular & Supportive Tools

Dyslexia-Friendly Supports:

• Use visual schedules and station symbols.
• Avoid text-heavy instruction – use icons and demonstration instead.
• Use coloured overlays for written work if reflective tasks are printed.
• Offer oral alternatives for responses (e.g., voice note on tablet).

For the Autistic Learner:

• Provide clear visual structure of the session.
• Allow choice in movement expression.
• Noise-cancelling headphones as needed.
• Clear pre-warnings before transitions.

Digital Media/Multiple Mediums:

• Use rhythm-based audio cues in movement.
• Storytelling with props, music, and tactile movements.
• Visual storyboard cards with diverse learners in mind.

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🪴 Final Reflection

These four interactive, creative, and values-based PE lessons are designed for deep connection—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially—for every ākonga. Movement becomes the medium through which faith, belonging, and wellbeing thrive.

Let’s honour the Gospel and grow through play, purpose, and participation together.