Artistic Aussie Animals

Lesson 1: Introduction to Australian Animals

Year Level

Years 1-2

Duration

60 minutes

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Lesson Overview

In this introductory lesson, students will discover a selection of distinctive Australian animals, focusing on their unique physical features and natural habitats. Through engaging discussion, interactive visual aids, and hands-on activities, students will explore the importance of Australian animals within their ecosystems. This lesson sets the foundation for the "Artistic Aussie Animals" unit, encouraging curiosity and respect for Australia's biodiversity while aligning with the NSW Visual Arts curriculum and relevant literacy outcomes.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Identify and name a range of Australian animals and describe some of their distinctive features.
• Understand and explain in simple terms where these animals live (their habitats).
• Recognise the role of animals in the Australian ecosystem.
• Express ideas about Australian animals using basic art and discussion skills.
• Share their observations and responses about animals they see and learn about.

Aligned with NSW Curriculum for The Arts (Visual Arts) and English:

• Visual Arts Outcomes:
  • ACAVAM107 — Use and experiment with different materials, techniques, technologies and processes to make artworks (Visual Arts, Years 1-2).
  • ACAVAM106 — Respond to visual artworks and consider where and why artwork is made, starting to express personal opinions and observations.
• English Outcomes:
  • ACELY1661 — Listen to and respond orally to texts and discussions, sharing ideas clearly (Year 1).
  • ACELY1671 — Use vocabulary about familiar topics including animals, environment and community (Year 2).

These objectives address the achievement standard that Year 1-2 Visual Arts students make and share artworks in informal settings and describe where and how people experience visual arts, particularly using aspects of nature and culture .

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Resources and Materials

• Picture cards or printed images of a variety of Australian animals (e.g., kangaroo, koala, platypus, echidna, kookaburra, wombat)
• Video or slideshow with images of Australian animals in their natural habitats (optional)
• Large whiteboard or chart paper
• Markers and crayons
• Drawing paper (one per student)
• "Animal features" worksheet template (large simple illustrations for labelling)
• Name tags or animal fact cards for each student (optional for engagement)
• Visual timer to manage activities

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Lesson Structure and Timing

Time	Activity	Description
0-10 min	Welcome & Introduction	- Warmly greet students and briefly introduce the unit “Artistic Aussie Animals.” - Show images of several Australian animals. Ask students what animals they recognise. - Brief group discussion: What makes these animals special or different?
10-20 min	Animal Features Exploration	- Present 4-6 animal cards/images one by one. - Highlight distinctive features (e.g., kangaroo’s pouch, koala’s claws, platypus' bill). - Use simple questions: “Where does this animal live? What can you tell me about it?” - Discuss habitats: bush, forest, water, desert. - Interactive Q&A, encouraging full sentences.
20-35 min	Guided Drawing Activity	- Students each receive drawing paper and crayons. - Prompt: “Choose your favourite Australian animal to draw. Think about its special features!” - Play gentle instrumental Australian wildlife sounds/music in the background for atmosphere. - Teacher circulates, offering encouragement and guiding simple observation skills.
35-45 min	Sharing & Talking About Art	- Invite students to briefly show their drawings to the group. - Encourage them to describe one feature or something they like about the animal they drew. - Write down key words on the whiteboard such as ‘pouch,’ ‘claws,’ ‘bill,’ to reinforce vocabulary.
45-55 min	Group Reflection and Habitat Discussion	- Recap the idea that animals live in special places called habitats. - Group brainstorm: What habitats do our Aussie animals live in? Draw a simple big habitat map on chart paper. - Discuss why animals need their habitats and why it is important to care for them.
55-60 min	Conclusion and Home Connection	- Summarise key points about Australian animals and their habitats. - Suggest a simple home activity: “Find an Australian animal picture or toy at home and talk about its features with your family.” - Thank students for their participation and enthusiasm.

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Assessment and Reflection

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observes participation in discussion and the ability to name and describe animal features during activities.
• Art Assessment: Review the drawings for effort in representing animals' unique features and habitats, as per visual arts experimentation outcomes.
• Self and Peer Reflection: Students share one thing they learnt about an Australian animal or habitat at the close of the lesson.

Assessment aligns with the NSW Visual Arts achievement standard where students experiment with visual arts processes and materials, and make and share artworks in informal settings.

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Differentiation and Inclusivity

• Provide additional support (e.g., adult helper) for students needing assistance with drawing or verbal tasks.
• Use large, clear images for students with visual impairments.
• Allow alternative response methods (e.g., verbal explanation instead of drawing) if fine motor skills are varied.
• Encourage all language abilities by modelling vocabulary and sentence structures.

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Cross-curriculum Priorities and General Capabilities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures: Briefly acknowledge the Indigenous significance of Australian animals and country; plant a seed for respectful cultural understanding.
• Literacy: Strengthening vocabulary and oral language through discussion.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Students use observation and creativity during drawing.
• Personal and Social Capability: Practice listening, sharing, and respecting ideas.

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Teacher Tips

• Use enthusiastic, expressive language to engage young children.
• Use realia if possible (toy animals, fur samples, feathers).
• Keep questions open-ended to encourage thinking and longer responses.
• Keep transitions smooth to maintain attention.
• Reinforce positive climate with praise and encouragement.

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This lesson is a strong start to the "Artistic Aussie Animals" unit for young students as they explore Australia’s unique wildlife through both art and conversation, rooted firmly in the NSW curriculum framework for Years 1-2 Visual Arts and English learning outcomes, supporting holistic developmental goals.