Supporting Holy Family School's Te Kāhui Whētu Angels to Enjoy Physical Activity with their Peers
18 September 2023
When Holy Family School Special Needs Co-Ordinator, Mary Jane Godinet, noticed her Te Kāhui Whētu Angels (the ākonga directly supported by Mary-Jane) weren’t enjoying or engaging in physical education she wanted to make sure they didn’t miss out on their learning.
In collaboration with one of our advisors, Tania, Tākaro te Wā was created. This is a weekly session run for ākonga with special needs where they can connect with other students from their school and take part in games and activities. The group of students range from Year 1 to Year 6. Each ākonga brings one or two friends to join them, and they also have three Year 6 leaders who come along each week to support the learners.
Mary Jane has worked with Healthy Active Learning Advisor Tania Bartley (who has specialist knowledge in adaptive games) to establish the group. As well as seeking to support ākonga key competencies, it has a particular focus on participating, contributing and relating to others, and games ākonga can play during break times.
Mary Jane said, “Tania and I rotate the sessions with Tania leading one week, introducing a new game and the following week I’d run the sessions using the variety of games that we have used throughout the year.”
Since starting in February, Mary says she has noticed a significant shift in the ākonga she supports. “Students who were once timid and afraid are totally relaxed and fine with the different peers each week which is great in coping with change and building self-confidence." "It is their time to shine, I can definitely see the students in a different light outside of the classroom. The strategies, competitiveness and an abundance of confidence that you don’t always see in the classroom setting astounds me.”
Mary Jane adds that students are engaged and active through the whole session and their cooperative skills, and ability to retain new information about games have improved over the year.
“I like playing with people because they are nice to me,” Jaxsyn, a Year 5 ākonga who is part of the group says.
"I like choosing friends from my classroom to join me. I like playing tag games like the foxes, rabbits, truck and trailer. I like being outside.”
Judah, one of the year 6 leaders, says the best part of Tākaro te Wa is being a role model and helping ākonga with their confidence.
“I have developed leadership skills like if the student is confused I can talk to them and help them understand. I enjoy exercising and playing all of the fun games,” he says.
Fellow student leader Milana agrees.
“A highlight for me is helping the kids get out of their comfort zones by supporting them. I liked helping the kids and playing with them. My favourite part is getting to know other people.”
