Animal Names in German

---

Curriculum Area

Learning Area: Languages
Language: German
Year Level: Year 1
Australian Curriculum Reference:

• AC9LG1U01 – Recognise that German uses different writing systems and conventions.
• AC9LG1C01 – Locate and respond to simple German words, phrases and images.
• AC9LG1C02 – Use simple German words, phrases and expressions in familiar contexts.

---

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Recognise and say the names of 6–8 common animals in German.
• Match spoken and written German animal names to the correct pictures.
• Participate in fun group games using German vocabulary.

---

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

✅ Correctly pronounce at least 5 German animal names.
✅ Match at least 5 pictures of animals to their German names with 80% accuracy.
✅ Participate in an interactive game, using German animal names when prompted.

---

Duration

Total time: 45 minutes

---

Required Resources

• Flashcards with animal images and German animal names
• Bluetooth speaker or classroom audio system
• Animal puppets or soft toys
• Large “Animal Zoo” floor mat or printed animal mats
• Laminated cut-outs of animals
• Matching worksheets
• Whiteboard and markers
• Stickers or star stamps (for positive reinforcement)

---

Vocabulary Focus

English	German	Pronunciation
Dog	Hund	[hoont]
Cat	Katze	[KAHT-suh]
Bird	Vogel	[FOH-gel]
Rabbit	Hase	[HAH-zuh]
Fish	Fisch	[fish]
Horse	Pferd	[pfaird]
Cow	Kuh	[koo]
Pig	Schwein	[shvine]

---

Lesson Sequence

1. Welcome & Warm-Up (5 mins)

Activity: Guten Tag Song

• Begin by gathering students in a circle and singing a simple German greeting song “Guten Tag” with actions.
• Ask students to say "Guten Morgen!" to two classmates near them.

Purpose: Reinforce previous vocabulary from past lessons and set a relaxing and engaging language environment.

---

2. Introduction to New Vocabulary (10 mins)

Activity: Flashcard Reveal & Repeat

• Show large flashcards one at a time with both the picture and German word.
• Clearly pronounce the German word, and have students repeat it together and then individually.
• Use puppets or soft toys to make the pronunciation repetitions playful and engaging.

Teacher Notes: Use TPR (Total Physical Response). For each animal, link a movement (e.g., hopping for “Hase”, swimming motion for “Fisch”).

---

3. Visual Matching Game (10 mins)

Activity: Match-the-Animal

• Distribute laminated image cards of animals to students.
• Place name cards (German words only) along the front whiteboard or floor mat.
• When the teacher calls out a German name, students bring the matching picture to the front and place it below the correct name.

Assessment Focus: Can students associate the sound of the German animal name with the correct image?

Differentiation:

• Supported learners: Pair with a buddy who has a stronger memory or German vocabulary.
• Visual learners: Use larger images and colour-coded cards.
• Auditory learners: Repeat the German name clearly as the student selects a picture.

---

4. Active Game – “Tier-Zoo” (15 mins)

Activity: Find That Animal! Game

• Lay the “Animal Zoo” floor mat (or printed mats on tables).
• Call out an animal name in German, and students must jump, tiptoe or crawl to land on the right animal.
• Once students reach an animal, they must say the name in German to ‘claim’ it.

Variation: The teacher becomes “Zookeeper” and gives clues using simple German (e.g., “Ich bin weiss und groß!” → Kuh).

Extension for Advanced Learners:

• Invite them to become the “Zookeeper” and give clues to their peers in German.
• Encourage full sentences: “Ich sehe eine Katze!” (I see a cat!)

---

5. Reflection & Consolidation (5 mins)

Activity: Draw and Say

• Students draw their favourite animal from today’s lesson.
• They write the German word under the drawing (with teacher/modelled support).
• Volunteers may stand and say "Mein Lieblingstier ist der Hund!" (My favourite animal is the dog.)

Assessment Focus: Can students recall vocabulary independently and apply it in a simple sentence?

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Students with EAL/D or learning difficulties:
  🌟 Use visual support and buddy pairing
  🌟 Allow use of L1 to support acquisition
  🌟 Repeat and model vocabulary often

• High Achievers:
  🌟 Ask to form short sentences using “Ich sehe…” or “Mein Lieblingstier ist…”
  🌟 Lead mini-games or give hints to peers during group activities

---

Assessment for Learning

✔ Participation in the group and matching games
✔ Ability to pronounce and recognise German words
✔ Drawing with matching label (teacher-assisted or independently written)

---

Extension Activities

• Language Centre Activity: Matching memory game in pairs (pictures vs. German words)
• Home Connection: Students take home 3 animal flashcards to teach family members and record a short sentence using Seesaw or in a reflection journal.

---

Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Notes)

• Which animals were most easily remembered?
• Were there any pronunciation challenges?
• How confident were students in applying their knowledge during the physical game?

---

Notes for Next Lesson

In Lesson 5, we will build on this vocabulary by learning animal sounds and adjectives to describe animals (e.g., “Der Hund ist laut” – “The dog is loud”).

---