ANZAC Day Commemoration

WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand the significance of ANZAC Day in Australian history.
• Identify key facts about ANZAC Day and why it is commemorated.
• Recognise the symbols and traditions associated with ANZAC Day.
• Express learning through creative activities.

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Curriculum Links – Australian Curriculum v9

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) - History Year 3

• Content Descriptor: AC9HS3K02 — Significant events, symbols and emblems that are important to Australia’s identity and diversity, and how they are celebrated, commemorated or recognised in Australia, including ANZAC Day.
• Elaborations:
  • Identifying and discussing the historical origins of ANZAC Day.
  • Recognising different points of view about commemorations.
  • Examining symbolism found in ANZAC traditions and emblems.
  • Discussing importance of respectful commemoration protocols.
• Skills: Analyse historical information and identify perspectives on commemorative events.

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Lesson Duration

45 minutes
Class Size: 20 students (Year 3)

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Lesson Overview and Time Allocation

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation & Extension
0 – 5 mins	Introduction WALT and Discussion	Introduce the lesson objectives using WALT. Brainstorm: What do students already know about ANZAC Day?	Support less verbal students with picture prompts. Use sentence starters for sharing ideas.
5 – 15 mins	Story and Video: ANZAC Day History	Read a simple, age-appropriate ANZAC Day story or watch a short video about key events of WWI and Gallipoli.	Provide graphic organisers for note-taking. Advanced learners research and share additional facts.
15 – 25 mins	Group Activity: Symbol Match and Explanation	In small groups, match ANZAC symbols (poppy, dawn service, medals) to their meanings. Groups present findings.	Visual aids for ESL and Aboriginal students. Extend with research on other ANZAC commemorations in Australia.
25 – 35 mins	Creative Expression: ANZAC Poster or Poem	Students choose to create a poster illustrating ANZAC Day or write a short poem about what ANZAC Day means.	Provide templates and word banks. Encourage advanced learners to include historical dates or quotes.
35 – 40 mins	Reflection and Sharing	Volunteers share their poster or poem. Class discussion on why we remember ANZAC Day respectfully.	Encourage respectful listening and questioning techniques.
40 – 45 mins	Assessment and Wrap-up	Short quiz or verbal Q&A: Why do we commemorate ANZAC Day? What are some traditions?	Oral quiz for students with difficulties writing. Extension: Write a letter of thanks to veterans.

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Detailed Activity Descriptions

Introduction & WALT

• Write WALT on the board and read aloud:
  “We are learning to understand why ANZAC Day is important to Australia and how we commemorate it.”
• Use prompts like: "Has anyone heard of ANZAC Day? What do you think it means?"
• Generate ideas and write key points on a chart or whiteboard.

Story/Video

• Tell the story of the ANZAC troops, focusing on their courage and sacrifices without graphic detail (e.g., "A long time ago, Australian soldiers went to faraway places to help others during a big war..." etc.).
• Show a 5–7 minute video suitable for Year 3 (teacher's choice, no hyperlinks here).
• After, ask simple comprehension questions to gauge understanding.

Symbol Match

• Distribute cards or printouts showing ANZAC symbols: red poppy, dawn service, medals, marches, folded flag, memorials.
• Each group discusses what they think the symbols mean, then shares with the class.
• Teacher clarifies meanings: red poppy = remembrance, dawn service = start of remembrance, medals = bravery, etc.

Creative Expression

• Options:
  • Poster: Use coloured pencils, markers to draw a scene or symbols of ANZAC Day.
  • Poem: Write a short poem or a few sentences describing what they learnt. Provide sentence starters like "ANZAC Day is important because...", "We remember the soldiers who...".
• Provide printable templates and vocabulary lists for scaffolding.

Reflection and Sharing

• Invite students to show and explain their work.
• Discuss emotions connected with remembrance — gratitude, respect, and peace.

Assessment and Wrap-up

• Use verbal questions or a simple quiz:
  • What day do we remember ANZAC Day?
  • Why do we wear poppies?
  • What do the ANZAC soldiers represent?
• Provide positive feedback and praise respectful remembering.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual aids (pictures, symbols) to support comprehension.
• Sentence starters and word banks for writing tasks.
• Pair students strategically for peer support.
• Allow oral responses instead of written where needed.
• Use multimodal approaches (storytelling, drama, art).

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Research ANZAC Day in different Australian states and communities, e.g., how Indigenous Australians commemorate ANZAC Day.
• Create a timeline of ANZAC Day’s history or key WWI events.
• Write or perform a dramatic monologue from the perspective of a WWI soldier or nurse.
• Investigate the Anzac spirit and write a reflective piece on its meaning today.

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Resources Needed

• Age-appropriate ANZAC Day storybook or script.
• ANZAC Day symbols cards/printouts.
• Art supplies: paper, coloured pencils, markers.
• Multimedia (video or slides, teacher-provided).
• Whiteboard/chart paper for brainstorming.

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This lesson plan aligns with content descriptor AC9HS3K02 from the Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum for Year 3, focusing on significant Australian events and the meaning of ANZAC Day, including recognising symbols and commemoration protocols . It supports diverse learners with visual and oral activities and offers meaningful extension opportunities to challenge advanced students.