Connecting Past Present

Overview

This 60-minute lesson for Year 9 students focuses on connecting the historical significance of World War 1 (WW1) to contemporary issues. Students will collaboratively create a vision board reflecting the lessons learned from WW1 and its relevance today. The approach is designed to meet the Australian Curriculum (v9) standards for History, particularly addressing historical knowledge, critical thinking, and evidence-based argument construction. Differentiation and dyslexia-friendly strategies are embedded to support diverse learners.

Australian Curriculum Links

History (Year 9):
Understand the causes and effects of WW1 and its commemoration in Australia
Develop historical arguments using evidence from sources
Analyse contested historical interpretations and differing perspectives
Explore the significance of WW1 in Australian society and its legacy today
Content Descriptions:
Investigate the causes of WW1 and reasons Australians enlisted - Examine the commemoration and contested interpretations of WW1 and the Anzac legend - Develop historical arguments referencing evidence from sources - Analyse different historical interpretations ---

Learning Objectives

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

Explain the ongoing relevance of WW1 to present-day social, political and cultural issues.
Contribute meaningful ideas to a collaborative vision board that links historical events from WW1 with contemporary global concerns.
Demonstrate understanding of diverse perspectives by using symbols and visuals to express ideas.
Reflect critically on lessons learned from WW1 and articulate their insights in writing (extension task).

Success Criteria

Actively contribute at least two relevant and insightful ideas to the shared vision board.
Use symbolic visuals alongside verbal or written explanations to express connections between WW1 and current issues.
Demonstrate ability to listen to and build upon classmates’ contributions respectfully.
For extension: Compose a structured and well-reasoned short essay on key lessons learned from WW1 that apply today.

Materials Needed

Large blank poster or whiteboard for the class vision board
Colourful sticky notes or cards
Markers, coloured pencils, images, and symbols related to WW1 and modern issues
Dyslexia-friendly handout with key terms and symbolic images relating to WW1 and current global themes (e.g., peace, conflict, rights, nationalism)
Writing paper or digital devices for extension essay task

Lesson Timing and Activities

1. Warm-Up: Reflecting on WW1 Today (10 minutes)

Begin with a guided class discussion:
"Why does WW1 still matter today?"
Prompt students to consider social, political, cultural, and global connections (e.g., nationalism, peace movements, veterans’ commemoration).
Display a few symbolic images related to WW1 and modern themes (dove for peace, poppies, protest signs).
Highlight the importance of different perspectives using symbolism, accommodating students with dyslexia and diverse needs.

2. Vision Board Creation – Collaborative Group Work (30 minutes)

Divide class into small groups (4-5 students), mix abilities within groups.
Task each group to discuss and write down ideas on sticky notes:
Connections between WW1 and present-day issues (e.g., war and peace, national identity, human rights).
Symbols or images that represent these ideas.
Encourage the use of simple sentence starters and structured templates to support students who need guidance.
Groups place their ideas on the shared vision board, explaining aloud their contributions.
Teacher facilitates, scaffolds ideas and supports students with spelling or expression difficulties by modelling language and symbol use.

3. Whole-Class Reflection and Discussion (10 minutes)

Review the vision board as a class, highlighting recurring themes and contrasting viewpoints.
Ask prompting questions like:
"What surprised you about the connections?"
"How can symbols help us understand history and its relevance?"
Reinforce success criteria.

4. Extension: Short Essay on Lessons Learned (10 minutes + homework option)

For advanced learners or early finishers:
Write a short essay (150-200 words) titled “Lessons from WW1 for Today”.
Provide a simple essay scaffold: introduction, 2-3 body points, conclusion.
Emphasise using evidence from the vision board and previous lessons.
For learners who require more support, allow oral recording or mind-map planning instead.

Differentiation Strategies

For diverse learners including ADHD and dyslexia:
Use clear visual supports and symbols to reinforce key ideas.
Provide sentence starters and structured templates to organise thoughts.
Allow oral contributions and peer support in group work.
Break tasks into smaller steps with clear, concise instructions.
Use dyslexia-friendly fonts and high-contrast materials.
For gifted learners:
Extension essay with analytical focus on the ethical lessons of WW1.
Encourage exploration of different global perspectives and contested interpretations.
Propose independent research on a related current event connected to WW1’s legacy.

Assessment

Informal formative assessment through observation of contributions to the vision board and class discussion participation aligned to success criteria.
Evaluation of extension essays for clarity of argument, evidence use, and depth of reflection (optional).

Teacher Reflection Tips

Monitor student engagement during group activity; provide additional prompts if ideas are limited.
Check that symbolic visuals are accessible and meaningful for all learners.
Consider gathering feedback on how students feel history connects to their lives today.
Use this lesson as part of the sequence culminating the unit “Experiencing World War 1” to consolidate historical understanding with personal relevance.

This lesson plan models an inclusive, interactive approach using symbolism and collaboration to connect WW1 history to present-day realities in a classroom of diverse Year 9 learners, fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum (v9) standards for History.

Teaching Instructions