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Strengths and Growth Story

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Strengths and Growth Story

The Welcome Table

Read the story, then answer the questions.

When the school announced its Matariki evening, Maia scanned the list of activities and felt her confidence shrink. Other students had volunteered to sing, perform kapa haka or run a science display. Maia could not think of anything she was good at. At lunchtime, she noticed a new student, Mei, standing alone beside the hall. Maia walked over and asked if he wanted company. She showed him where to find the library and introduced him to two students who also enjoyed drawing. Later that week, a group working on the Matariki display disagreed about where to place their stars. Maia listened to each idea and suggested they arrange the stars in a pattern that included everyone’s designs. The group agreed, and the display looked brighter for it. Maia began to notice other small moments. She shared her coloured pencils, checked on a friend who was having a hard day and helped tidy the art tables without being asked. Her older cousin said, “You’re good at making people feel included.” At the evening, Maia set up a Welcome Table with simple maps of the activities and a jar of conversation starters. Visitors who were unsure where to go could stop, ask a question or meet someone new. Maia’s table stayed busy all evening. On the way home, Maia wrote a goal in her notebook: “I will practise speaking up when I have an idea, and I’d like to help new students feel at home next term.” She had found a strength in bringing people together—and a way to keep growing.

Understanding the Story

1.At the start of the story, what is Maia worried about?

She has forgotten where the hall is.
She cannot think of a strength or activity to share.
She does not want the school to hold a Matariki evening.
She is concerned that her cousin will be late.

2.Choose all the actions that show Maia bringing people together or helping them feel included.

She welcomed Mei and introduced him to other students.
She listened to different ideas about the display.
She left the art tables untidy.
She made a Welcome Table for visitors.
She performed a song on stage.

3.How did Maia help the group solve its disagreement about the Matariki display?

4.What goal did Maia write in her notebook for next term?

Thinking About Strengths and Growth

Use the prompts to develop your ideas. Your answers may be different from someone else's.

5.Complete each thought: One strength I have is ____. I know this because ____. When I use it, I feel ____ and it can help others by ____. One way I could develop this strength is ____.

6.Describe a time you helped someone or made a positive difference. What happened, and which strength did you use?

7.Imagine you are planning an activity for the school’s Matariki evening. What would your activity be, and how would it help visitors or students? Sketch your idea and explain it.