Te Rito Toi (www.teritotoi.org) is a resource website to help teachers work with children when they first return to school following major traumatic or life-changing events.
Within this resource you will find Hā Ora, which comprises of three units of work, that are all connected thematically under the concept of Hā Ora. The creators of this resource encourage you to look through all the offerings presented in the wider ‘Hā Ora’ resource and use the material in a way that suits your learning context.
Unit One: He Hononga ki Ngā Atua: Connecting with the Atua by Rawiri Hindle and Bert van Dijk
This unit acknowledges the close bond between Ngā Toi (the arts) and Hauora (health and wellbeing) that presents us with opportunities to help lessen stress, calm our mind, experience and express the richness of our being, and connect strongly with our natural environment. A range of music and movement activities are offered that support children to be mindful/present in the moment, and to strengthen wairua, through sequences of learning that connect self, other and the environment.
Unit Two: Harakeke Pūnga Whānau by Priya Gain
This unit provides a range of activities to respond creatively and playfully to metaphors and observations of the harakeke through music and movement. It includes an original waiata, written for this project, to help children explore the metaphor of whānau represented by harakeke in te ao Māori. The material and processes are designed with the Orff process in mind, weaving together singing, movement, language work, musical play and improvisation.
Unit Three: Te Ahi Kātoro by Makaira Waugh
This unit incorporates a ngeri (chant) written about the pandemic and lockdown in Aotearoa, which is used as a stimulus for creative writing, dance and music activities. You will also find dance/movement activities that relate to students’ experiences during lockdown, using the concept of space within their bubble and the outside, and connected whakataukī. A waiata ā ringa (action song) draws on aspects of the ngeri to provide a meditative process for students to connect with different elements of the world through performance.