by Rebecca Thomas
As Waitangi Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the power of curiosity and the importance of creating spaces where tamariki feel safe to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful kōrero about Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
This year, more than ever, educators have a unique opportunity to foster critical thinking and open dialogue in their classrooms. With tensions and debates surrounding the Treaty Bill dominating headlines, our role as kaiako is not to provide all the answers but to guide our tamariki in asking the right questions and exploring the complexities of our shared history (all while remaining politically neutral, of course!).
So, how can we support our young potential leaders to engage with Waitangi Day in a way that is uplifting, inclusive, and empowering?
What follows are three simple ideas you can try with your young people and staff.
#1 The Upside-Down Treaty: Who Really Holds the Power?
Provocation: What if the students wrote the rules for the teacher?
Activity:
Begin by discussing how classroom rules are usually created, often with the teacher setting expectations and students following them. Ask students:
Why do teachers create rules for the classroom?
What happens when people don’t follow the rules?
Who benefits from the rules, and who might feel left out?
Flip the script: Invite students to draft a "Treaty for the Teacher." In this treaty, students outline what they expect from the teacher in terms of fairness, respect, and support.
Example expectations: "The teacher agrees to listen to all students equally," or "The teacher will explain things in a way that makes sense to everyone."
Once the treaty is drafted, facilitate a discussion:
How does it feel to be the one creating the rules?
What responsibilities come with having power?
How does this activity help us understand the importance of partnership (like in Te Tiriti)?
This activity helps students explore power dynamics, fairness, and mutual respect in a relatable way.
Feeling creative: Young people could capture this event as a podcast/news report/infographic/art piece/Lego model or diorama.
#2 The Ruleless Classroom: What Happens When There Are No Rules?
Provocation: What if our classroom had no rules at all?
Activity:
Begin with a thought experiment: Ask students to imagine a classroom with no rules. Discuss:
What might happen if there were no rules?
Would everyone feel safe and respected?
Who might benefit, and who might struggle?
Divide students into small groups and give them 10 minutes (or longer if you are brave) to "live" in a ruleless classroom. Observe how they interact and what challenges arise.
After the experiment, bring the class together to reflect:
What did you notice about how people behaved without rules?
Why do we need rules in the first place?
How can rules be created in a way that includes everyone’s voice?
This activity encourages students to think about the purpose of rules, agreements, and whose voices shape them.
#3 Extending the Conversation: A Leadership Activity for Staff Hui
Theme: Power, Partnership, and the Role of Educators in Fostering Critical Thinking
Hui Activity:
Begin with a simple provocation: "What if teachers had no say in school rules—only students did?"
Break into small groups and ask staff to discuss:
Who holds power in our school, and how is it distributed?
How do we engage students in meaningful decision-making?
How can we model the principles of partnership and shared authority in our teaching practice?
Invite each group to create a "Teacher Treaty," outlining how teachers can ensure student voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Facilitate a whole-staff discussion on how these ideas align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ways to embed them in school-wide practices.
As we prepare to commemorate Waitangi Day, let’s remember that our role as educators is not to shy away from difficult conversations but to create spaces where tamariki feel safe to explore, question, and dream.
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