Building Connections

Lesson 1: Getting to Know Each Other

Year Level: Prep

Duration: 45 minutes

Number of Students: 20

Learning Area: Social Sciences

Unit: Building Connections Together

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Victorian Curriculum Alignment

Relevant Content Descriptions:

• Victorian Curriculum HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) — Civics and Citizenship and Interpersonal Development for Foundation/Prep level focus on understanding relationships and community, identity, and belonging (see ACELY from Foundation years as part of Literacy for communication).
• Victorian Curriculum HASS Prep Strand (Civics and Citizenship):
  • Identify familiar people, places, and types of environments (VCGGK040 - Foundation Geography)
  • Recognise that they belong to different groups such as class, family, and community (VCGGK041 - Foundation Geography)
• Personal and Social Capability (PSC) Foundation:
  • Develop skills to interact positively with others
  • Recognise different feelings and how to contribute to group activities

Key Competencies Addressed:

• Recognising and naming their own and others' identities and interests
• Building positive relationships and a sense of classroom community
• Developing social skills like listening, sharing, and turn-taking
• Understanding the value of relationships and community in their learning environment

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Learning Objectives

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

• Recall and use classmates' names with increasing confidence.
• Share information about their own interests and listen to others.
• Participate in collaborative games and discussions that build connection.
• Demonstrate respect, empathy, and positive social interaction skills.

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Resources Required

• Name tags or stickers
• A large colourful soft ball or beanbag
• Chart paper and markers
• 'All About Me' worksheet (simple with pictures and words)
• A Storybook about Friendship and Community (optional)

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Lesson Outline

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet students warmly by name as they enter, and help them place name tags on their shirts.
• Briefly explain the purpose of the lesson: "Today, we're going to have fun learning about each other so we can be great friends and work well together!"
• Establish basic class expectations for listening and kindness.

2. Icebreaker Game 1: Name Ball Toss (10 minutes)

• Students form a circle sitting or standing. Teacher starts with the ball.
• The teacher says their name and something they like (e.g., "My name is Sarah, and I like drawing.").
• The teacher gently tosses the ball to a student, who must say their name and something they like before tossing to someone else.
• Continue until all students have had a turn.
• Reinforce attentive listening by encouraging eye contact and clapping after each student shares.

3. Icebreaker Game 2: Find Someone Who... (10 minutes)

• Distribute a simple checklist with statements (e.g., "Find someone who has a pet," "Find someone who likes the colour blue"). Use pictures for accessibility.
• Students move around the room asking classmates questions and tick off matches.
• Encourage students to introduce themselves properly and listen carefully.
• After 7-8 minutes, gather the class and discuss some fun facts they discovered about their peers.

4. Group Discussion: Why Are Connections Important? (8 minutes)

• Sit in a circle and discuss: "Why is it good to know about our classmates? How does it help us at school?"
• Record student responses on chart paper to highlight ideas like friendship, teamwork, feeling happy and safe.
• Teachers model language about respect, kindness, and community.

5. 'All About Me' Worksheet (7 minutes)

• Hand out 'All About Me' worksheets where students can draw or dictate their favourite things (colour, food, activity).
• Students work individually or with teacher support to complete their sheets.
• Explain that these drawings will be displayed in the classroom to celebrate everyone’s individuality.

6. Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap the lesson’s main points: learning names, sharing interests, and building friendships.
• Ask a few students to share one new thing they learned about a classmate.
• Reinforce that everyone is important and part of the class community.
• End with a group cheer or song celebrating friendship.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observe students’ participation and willingness to share and listen during games and discussion.
  • Check that students use classmates’ names when participating.
  • Review 'All About Me' worksheets for completion and attempt to express personal interests.

• Teacher Reflection:

  • Note students who may need additional support in social skills or engagement for future targeted activities.
  • Reflect on the effectiveness of icebreaker activities and student comfort level with peers.

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Extensions and Adaptations

• For students requiring additional support with communication, provide visual aids, name cards with photos, or pairing with a buddy.
• For gifted or confident speakers, encourage them to ask extra questions to peers during 'Find Someone Who...'
• Include Auslan or first languages spoken by students when learning names to promote cultural respect and inclusion.

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Notes

This lesson strongly supports the development of identity and community within the classroom as per the Victorian Curriculum's focus on belonging and civics foundations. Activities incorporate positive social interaction skills and respectful listening as foundational for future social sciences content focused on community and relationships.

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This detailed lesson plan ensures Prep students engage with age-appropriate social science outcomes by actively building connections, self-awareness, and social skills in alignment with the Victorian Curriculum standards and early years literacy and personal capabilities.【6:AC9HS4S02】