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Celebrating Our Unique Differences

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Celebrating Our Unique Differences

Diverse group of children celebrating together

📖 Part 1: Reading Comprehension

Read the story below about Kaia and her new friend:

Kaia was nervous about starting at her new school in Ōtara. She spoke both English and Samoan at home, but worried about fitting in. On her first day, she met Aroha, who welcomed her with a warm smile. "Kia ora! I'm Aroha," she said. "I speak te reo Māori and English. Want to sit with our group at lunch?" At lunch, Kaia met friends from many different cultures - Tongan, Fijian, Indian, and Pākehā. Each person shared something special about their background. Aroha explained that their class practised manaakitanga - showing kindness and care for everyone. "Our differences make us stronger," Aroha said. "When we support each other's hauora - our wellbeing - we all shine brighter." Kaia felt her worries disappear as she realised she belonged exactly as she was.

1. What does manaakitanga mean in the story?

Speaking different languages

Showing kindness and care for everyone

Eating lunch together

Starting at a new school

2. Which cultures were mentioned in Kaia's new friend group?

Samoan

Māori

Tongan

Fijian

Indian

Pākehā

3. How did Kaia feel at the end of the story?

Still nervous and worried

Like she belonged exactly as she was

Confused about the new school

Homesick for her old school

💭 Part 2: Reflection Questions

4. Explain what hauora means and why it's important in a classroom community.
5. Describe a time when someone showed manaakitanga to you or when you showed it to someone else.
6. Complete this sentence: "Our differences make us stronger because..."

Our differences make us stronger because ________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

🌟 Part 3: Celebrating You

7. Draw or write about something special from your culture or family that you'd like to share with your classmates.
8. Write one way you can show manaakitanga to support your classmates' hauora this week.

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