Fill my Whare Tapa Whā... more!

This activity explores all aspects of our health and wellbeing using Sir Mason Durie's Te Whare Tapa and gives tamariki a list of things they can actively do to help boost their hauora and wellbeing.

You may like to print this worksheet for tamariki or use our video in order that tamariki can create their own whare!

Harikoa (happy), Tau (calm), Energised, Him (excited), Inspired, Proud, Whakawhetai (grateful), Relaxed, Loved, Pāpouri (disappointed), Frustrated, Amused, Hōhā, Confused, Bored, Playful, Proud, Peaceful, Accepted, Whakapono (optimistic), Trusting, Critical, Distant, Indifferent, Inspired, Hopeful, Thankful, Curious, Cheeky, Sleepy, Mīharo (amazed)

If you're using the worksheet, then follow this wee guide:

Kōrero about the sorts of things that really help us to feel good and that these generally are strengthening us in some way - our:

• Taha Tinana - our physical health
• Taha Wairua - our spiritual health
• Taha Hinengaro - our mental and emotional health
• Taha Whānau - our family and social health
• Whenua - the place we live and feel connection to

Some ideas:

Taha Tinana

• Drink some water
• Take a play time break after an hour of screen time
• Make your snacks and lunch for the day like you’re at school
• Run around the whare twice
• Head off for a walk around your neighborhood with whānau
• Play with a ball on the lawn
• Put on some music and kanikani

Taha Wairua

• Spend time outside - feel the sun, rain or wind on you.
• Practise Cosmic yoga, Tummy Breathing or Hikitia te Hā
• Stop to notice three small things out your window
• Lie on the lawn and look at the sky
• Write down some values that are important to you
• Write a card, letter or email to someone who’s made a positive difference for you. Tell them why.

Taha Hinengaro

• Set up a routine - home-learning, play, sleep
• Sing a waiata
• Do some art or craft - painting, drawing, colouring
• Spend some quiet time in your favourite space.
• Breathe! Take 10 deep tummy breaths
• Think about how you’re feeling and kōrero about it with someone

Taha Whānau

• Include your whānau in your home-learning - they might know some stuff!
• Make time to connect with your friends
• Give someone in your bubble a compliment
• Have a hug - awhi it up!
• Help someone with a chore
• Kōrero with someone in your whānau about your whakapapa
• Make someone a kapūti (cup of tea) or a drink

Whenua

• Sit under your favourite rakau in your garden
• Lie on your lawn to relax
• Look after a plant that needs some aroha
• Share a compliment or kind words with a plant
• Play outside barefoot
• Sit quietly and listen to the nature around you
• Check in on the plants in your garden, pull weeds near them or give them water

And tamariki will have their own and much better ideas!

Ask that they try some of these things, and check in with how it's made them feel.

Let them know that creating a 'list' like this of things to do to help when we may need to lift our mood, strengthen our whānau connection or feelings of belonging. So anytime they're not feeling particularly happy, energised or connected this is their go-to guide to help make things feel good again.

Te Whare Tapa Whā is the amazing mahi of Sir Mason Durie.