Drawing in Pairs

Today in class we played a game called Drawing in Pairs.

The game was simple to set up  we sat back-to-back with a partner, each with our own paper and pencil. The reason we sat back-to-back was so we couldn’t see each other’s drawings.

One person drew a simple picture and had to describe it out loud without actually showing it. The other person had to listen carefully and try to recreate the drawing based only on the description. The goal was to see how close the second drawing was to the original just by using communication skills. Sometimes the drawer was allowed to ask questions, and sometimes they weren’t allowed to speak at all, which made it even more challenging!

This activity connected to all four areas of Hauora.

Taha tinana (physical wellbeing): I had to use my senses especially listening, looking, and using my hands to draw carefully.

Taha whānau (social wellbeing): The game helped me improve my communication and teamwork skills because I had to work closely with my partner and listen properly.

Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing): I found it really funny when the drawings didn’t turn out how they were supposed to. It made the activity enjoyable and kept the mood positive.

Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing): I showed respect by listening carefully and trying my best throughout the activity.

Build a Whare Tapa Whā
Explain what the activity was that you participated in

Today we played Build a Whare Tapa Whā. This game is based on the Māori health model developed by Sir Mason Durie. This model compares hauora (wellbeing) to a whare (house) with four walls. Each wall represents a different part of our wellbeing.

The way you play the game is by working in teams to build a “whare.” Each wall represents a different area of hauora (taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whānau, taha wairua). To build each wall, you have to complete physical or thinking challenges, like the hoops challenge. If your team works well together and completes the tasks, your whare becomes strong and balanced.

Some of the rules of this game are:

Everyone must participate and be included.

You must follow instructions for each challenge.

You have to work cooperatively as a team.

You cannot knock down other teams’ “whare.”

Fair play and respect are important at all times.

Which areas of hauora were affected?

The areas of hauora that were affected by participating in Build a Whare Tapa Whā were:

Taha tinana (physical wellbeing)

Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing)

Taha whānau (social wellbeing)

Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing)

How were the areas of your hauora affected?

My taha tinana was positively affected because I exercised my body in the hoops challenge, which improved my fitness and coordination.

My taha hinengaro was positively affected because I had to think carefully about strategies and communicate effectively with my team. This helped me stay focused and positive.

My taha whānau was positively affected because I collaborated with my classmates, supported others, and felt a sense of belonging with my group.

My taha wairua was positively affected because I felt proud of my team and connected with the meaning of the Whare Tapa Whā model, which is about Māori culture and values.

Applying Other Key Concepts

The key concept of PIS (Personal Identity and Self-Worth) was shown because it helped me feel confident and proud of what I did for my team. This increased my self-esteem.

The key concept of relationships was relevant because we needed to communicate respectfully and support one another.

There are also short-term effects, such as feeling tired after the activity, and long-term effects, like developing teamwork skills and understanding hauora concepts better.

Social Justice (Fairness, Inclusiveness, Non-Discrimination)

The social justice value of fairness was shown because everyone had an equal chance to take part in the challenges.

The value of inclusiveness was shown because no one was left out, and everyone contributed to the construction of the whare.

The value of non-discrimination was shown because everyone was treated with respect, no matter their level of ability.

Participation Reflection

I did participate in today’s activity. I gave my best in the challenges, supported my teammates, and remained actively involved throughout.

Hoops Challenge Reflection

I have been doing quite well in the hoops challenge.

The reasons for this are that I listened carefully, worked on my coordination, and stayed focused.

I can improve by speaking clearly to my teammates and moving confidently.

Definitions of Other Key Concepts

PIS (Personal Identity and Self-Worth): This refers to how you see yourself and how much value and confidence you have in who you are.

Social Justice: This refers to making sure that everyone is treated fairly, equally, and with respect, without discrimination.

Short-term and Long-term:

Short-term refers to something that happens soon and does not last long.

Long-term refers to something that happens over time and can have lasting effects.

Consequence: The result or outcome of an action or decision.

Here is a photo of my whare tapa whā

Nga mihi

Yazmin-Rose Johns