Ngahuru (Autumn) Surprises

This is a fun and meaningful way to integrate wellbeing into the classroom, helping tamariki build daily habits that support their hauora while fostering connection, mindfulness, and a sense of seasonal rhythm.

1. Print the two-page template onto separate A3 sheets of paper or card.

2. Carefully cut three sides of each window box on the front page to create flaps that open like doors or windows.

3. Place the second page (with the hidden surprises) behind the cut-out page and secure them together around the edges of the page with glue or tape. 

4.  Each day, tamariki peel back a hauora pou to reveal a fun wellbeing activity! 

And so you can prepare in advance… 

Taha Tinana

Prepare paraire first! It will be your tinana day and will need a bit of organisation (sorry!). 

1. Print the two-page template onto separate A3 sheets of paper or card.

2. Carefully cut three sides of each window box on the front page to create flaps that open like doors or windows.

3. Place the second page (with the hidden surprises) behind the cut-out page and secure them together around the edges of the page with glue or tape. 

4.  Each day, tamariki peel back a hauora pou to reveal a fun wellbeing activity! 

And so you can prepare in advance… 

Prepare paraire first! It will be your tinana day and will need a bit of organisation (sorry!). 

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Taha tinana: Apple crumble paired with a movie! 

Support tamariki to enjoy a hands-on cooking experience by making either Apple Crumble or Apple Slice using VJ Cooks’ - selected because they’re delicious, NZ sourced and super simple:

• Apple Crumble Recipe

• Apple Slice Recipe

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You may want to pair this with some aihikirīmi (ice-cream), but it's totally up to you!

After baking or with your apple kai, settle in for a wellbeing-focused film by watching Inside Out, a fun and insightful movie about emotions and how they impact our overall wellbeing. Find where to stream it here: Inside Out - Flicks NZ

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Kōrero reflection

After watching Inside Out, facilitate a kōrero with tamariki about how our taha tinana and taha hinengaro (and all of the pou) are connected. Some prompts to support this:

• How do different emotions (like joy, sadness, or anger) feel in our bodies?

• What are some ways we can look after our taha tinana when we’re feeling big emotions? (E.g. movement, breathing, resting, eating nourishing kai)

• How did it feel to make and eat food together? Why is shared kai important for wellbeing?

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Taha Whenua – Noticing Papatūānuku

Tamariki collect fallen ngahuru leaves from around the school and create a class whenua mandala (a circular nature artwork).

Prep to consider:

• Make sure there’s enough fallen leaves, and if not set up an art project where each ākonga draw or paint 5 of their favourite leaves, ready to cut out and create the mandala. 

• Find a space to create the mandala, or arrange on paper and glue into place. 

• Hot glue gun may be required. 

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Taha Whānau – Acts of Kindness

Tamariki choose one kind thing to do for a friend or classmate today—such as giving a compliment, helping with a task, or including someone in a game. Make it a surprise by not telling the recipient of your kind act!

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Prep to consider:

Have a short kōrero with your tamariki about what kindness looks like and feels like before they begin.

Taha hinengaro - Notice Ranginui

For this activity, tamariki will explore the sky, observe different types of clouds, and learn what they tell us about the weather. It encourages mindfulness and curiosity while connecting with the te Ao and taiao.

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What to do: 

1. Prepare the template:

   • Print the cloud template onto A4 or A3 card.

   • Tamariki cut out the inside of the cloud shape to create a cloud viewer.

2. Learn about clouds:

   • Research the three main cloud types and their meanings:

     • Cumulus (kapua whakapipi) – Fluffy, white clouds that often mean fine weather.

     • Stratus (Pūtahi) – Low, grey clouds that bring drizzle or rain.

     • Cirrus (Iorangi) – High, wispy clouds that can mean a weather change is coming.

     • And there are more too - our te Reo has kupu for many cloud types

3. Go outside and observe:

   • Tamariki use their cloud viewer to frame the sky and identify the clouds they see.

   • Discuss what type of clouds are present and what that might mean for the weather.

4. Kōrero and reflect:

   • What feelings come up as you look at Ranginui?

   • What patterns do they notice over time?

   • What can clouds teach us about patience and change?

Taha wairua - Manu of a Feather

One of our fave Manahau activities where tamariki move as a flock of manu (birds) in a mindfully, slow-mo way! 

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Prep to consider: 

Have a read through Manu of a Feather to familiarise yourself with how it goes. 

Encourage tamariki to run some of these activities at home with whānau too or suggest they create their own advent of hauora enhancing activities for them and their siblings.

If you enjoyed this advert calendar style activity, try Te Whare Tapa Whā a day at a time, it'll bring a whole month of hauora missions for your tamariki!
 

Health and PE Curriculum

Personal Health and physical development: A1 - Personal growth and development 
Personal Health and physical development: A2 - Regular physical activity
Movement concepts and motor skills: B1 - Movement skills

Relationships with other people: C1 - Relationships 

Relationships with other people: C3 - Interpersonal skills