Looking for a meaningful Medicine Wheel goal setting activity? This lesson, reflection and craft helps students explore balance, wellness and personal growth through a Medicine Wheel framework.
Students learn about the cultural significance of Medicine Wheel teachings before reflecting on four connected areas of wellness: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. They then set personal goals that support greater balance and well-being.
Medicine Wheel Lesson
Introduce students to the Medicine Wheel and its use as a teaching tool in many Indigenous cultures.
Teachings, colours, directions and meanings connected to Medicine Wheels vary among Indigenous Nations and Knowledge Keepers. This resource focuses on one commonly shared wellness interpretation and should not be presented as universal.
Four Areas of Holistic Wellness
Students reflect on four connected areas:
☀︎ Mental wellness: Learning, thinking and caring for the mind
☀︎ Emotional wellness: Understanding and expressing feelings
☀︎ Physical wellness: Caring for and moving the body
☀︎ Spiritual wellness: Exploring meaning, connection and what supports the spirit
Students consider what is currently supporting them and identify areas where they would like to grow.
Medicine Wheel Goal Setting
After completing the lesson and reflection, students set a personal goal for each area of wellness.
The Medicine Wheel craft provides a visual way to organize their goals and show how the four areas are connected. Students can revisit their wheels later to reflect on their progress.
Medicine Wheel Activity Includes
☀︎ Introduction to Medicine Wheel teachings
☀︎ Cultural context and significance
☀︎ Four areas of holistic wellness
☀︎ Mental wellness reflection
☀︎ Emotional wellness reflection
☀︎ Physical wellness reflection
☀︎ Spiritual wellness reflection
☀︎ Personal goal-setting activity
☀︎ Medicine Wheel craft
☀︎ Self-care and personal growth connections
Perfect For
- Social-emotional learning
- Student wellness lessons
- Indigenous education
- Goal setting activities
- Beginning-of-year reflection
- New Year goal setting
- Health education
- Advisory periods
- Personal growth activities
- Upper-elementary students
- Middle school students
Created by a First Nations educator, this Medicine Wheel goal setting activity combines cultural learning, SEL, reflection and practical goal setting in one meaningful resource.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The resources provided here are designed to support the teaching of Indigenous cultures, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It is important to recognize that these communities are not monolithic; beliefs, traditions, and practices vary greatly from Nation to Nation, and even from community to community. The content shared in these materials reflects my own lived experience and understanding of Indigenous cultures, but it does not encompass the full diversity or richness of these traditions.
I encourage educators to approach these resources with respect, sensitivity, and openness to learning. When possible, please engage with local Indigenous communities or cultural experts to ensure that the information shared is accurate and culturally appropriate for the specific Nations or groups you are teaching about.
These resources are intended to foster understanding and appreciation for Indigenous people.
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