Tatai Whakapapa – Weaving Our Connections
This activity helps tamariki recognise their shared experiences. Using a ball of wool, they will visually create a web of connections, reinforcing the idea that everyone is linked in different ways.
Firstly, the science...
This activity taps into the science of social connection, which plays a vital role in emotional and psychological wellbeing. By physically creating a web of connections, tamariki can visually see how they are linked to their peers, reinforcing the feeling of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation. Research shows that positive social bonds increase the release of oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which helps lower stress and anxiety. The process of sharing, listening, and identifying common experiences promotes empathy and self-esteem, which are key for tamariki’s emotional growth and overall sense of security.
Why this activity?
This activity fosters a sense of community and inclusion. It encourages tamariki to recognise their shared experiences and appreciate each other's unique qualities, building empathy and respect. As the web grows, it visually demonstrates how we are all connected, creating a stronger classroom culture where tamariki feel safe, valued, and part of a supportive team. This sense of connection enhances social-emotional development, making the classroom a place where children are more likely to thrive.
You'll need
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Your awesome tamariki
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A ball of wool
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A large (ish) space to form a circle
What to do
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Stand in a circle – Tamariki stand in a large circle, one is holding the wool and onto the end of the ball.
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Share something about yourself – The first person (kaiako can start) says something true about themselves (e.g., “I have a pet,” “I love to swim,” or “I speak more than one language”).
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Find connections – Tatai Whakapapa! – If another ākonga shares this experience, they call out “Tatai Whakapapa!” The wool is then passed or gently thrown to them while the first person holds onto their section.
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Continue the web – The new person shares something about themselves, and the process repeats, with tamariki holding onto their part of the wool before passing it on.
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See the connections! – As the activity continues, a beautiful web of wool forms, visually showing how everyone is connected.
Reflection and wrap-up:
Once everyone has had a turn, take a moment to reflect as a class. Discuss how the web represents the connections between you all and how, even with differences, we are all linked in some way. Emphasise that just like the web, your strength is built through understanding, respect, and shared experiences.
This activity is a powerful visual representation of unity and belonging, reinforcing the kaupapa of Unity Week and helping to build a classroom culture of connection and inclusion.
Kaiako card
To come
Whānau engagement
Be sure to take photos and share this with whānau with a description of the activity. Encourage tamariki to kōrero about this game at home and what they enjoyed.
And to add to this...
Another great activity to support kōrero around inclusion is Same, Same!
We also love this podcast from our friends at Real Parents and InCommon where Holly Griffin (InCommon Project Manager) shares some tips to support tamariki to be inclusive
We also love the pukapuka Ah Choo by Aotearoa author, Angela Walker. This pukapuka gently introduces tamariki to the beauty of differences and the joy of finding common ground.
Curriculum Links
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Personal Health and physical development: A4 - Personal identity
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Relationships with other people: C2 - Identity, sensitivity, and respect
