Exploring Windows Together

Introduction to Windows

Year Group

Foundation (Kindergarten) – Australian Curriculum v9

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

20 students

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Lesson Overview

In this first lesson of the unit "Exploring Windows Together," students will be introduced to the picture book Window by Jeanie Baker. The teacher will conduct a read-aloud session focusing on the book’s rich illustrations. Students will explore the idea of windows as a means to "see" different places and perspectives. They will be encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings in response to the imagery, fostering early literacy and critical thinking skills in a supportive, engaging way.

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Australian Curriculum Links

Foundation Year English

• Literacy
  • ACELA1435: Understand that print conveys meaning and can be read (concept of print)
  • ACELY1646: Listen to and respond to texts and to the communication of others in informal and structured classroom situations
  • ACELA1426: Identify some features of texts including how images contribute to meaning
  • ACELY1654: Use interaction skills including listening and responding to others, and expressing ideas
• Literature
  • ACELT1576: Respond to and compose simple texts based on life experiences and familiar topics
  • ACELT1580: Develop an interest in and understanding of the ways stories are told using images and words【1:AC9LITF02.md】

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Understand that books convey meaning through words and illustrations.
2. Recognise how illustrations in Window help tell the story and provide different perspectives.
3. Express thoughts and feelings about the images seen through "windows" in the book.
4. Engage in group discussion, listening actively and sharing their own ideas.

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Materials Needed

• Picture book: Window by Jeanie Baker (large-format or projected if available)
• Comfortable seating arranged in a circle or semi-circle
• Visual aids with simple vocabulary about windows and sight (optional)
• Drawing materials for follow-up activities (crayons, paper) — for subsequent lessons
• Whiteboard or chart paper and markers for recording students’ thoughts

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather students in a reading area, seated closely for engagement.
• Briefly introduce the unit theme: "We’re going to explore windows today — not just the ones on our houses but windows that show us new worlds!"
• Introduce the book Window by Jeanie Baker, showing the cover and asking what they might discover inside.

2. Read-Aloud Session (15 minutes)

• Read Window aloud slowly and clearly.
• Pause at each page to draw attention to key illustrations.
  • Ask questions such as:
    • “What can you see looking through this window?”
    • “How do you think the people feel?”
    • “What colours and shapes do you notice?”
• Encourage students to point to or name objects or actions in the pictures.
• Use expressive tone and gestures to model engaging reading.

3. Guided Discussion (15 minutes)

• Invite students to share their ideas:
  • “Which window did you like best? Why?”
  • “What do you think the window shows us about people’s lives?”
  • “How do the pictures help us understand the story?”
• Write key student responses on chart paper to validate their contributions.
• Introduce simple concepts about perspective and diversity of experiences.
• Scaffold language by repeating or expanding on student responses, supporting emerging language skills.

4. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Ask students how they felt when looking at the windows.
• Invite a few students to share one thing they noticed or liked.
• Highlight the idea that windows can show us new, different places and help us understand others.

5. Wrap-Up and Preparation for Next Lessons (5 minutes)

• Explain that the next lessons will explore windows in other ways, including creating their own “windows” through art and stories.
• Encourage students to think about what they might want to see through a window in their own lives or imagine new worlds.

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Assessment for Learning

• Observe student participation and engagement during the read-aloud and discussion.
• Note students’ ability to express ideas about the illustrations (verbally or non-verbally).
• Use anecdotal records to monitor understanding of how images convey meaning.
• Provide gentle scaffolding as needed to support language and comprehension.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) learners with visuals and simple vocabulary.
• Use gestures and physical objects to aid understanding.
• Encourage non-verbal responses such as pointing or drawing if oral language is emerging slowly.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support as necessary during discussion.

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Cross-Curricular Connections

• The Arts: Exploring visual arts skills through observation of illustrations and use of colour and shape (linked in future lessons).
• Personal and Social Capability: Building confidence in sharing thoughts and listening respectfully to peers.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Encouraging curiosity about different perspectives seen through windows.

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Notes for Teachers

• Create a welcoming and calm environment and use expressive, engaging reading strategies to hold attention.
• Emphasise the connection between text and images as ways to tell a story.
• Use this lesson to foster curiosity and empathy in young learners by linking windows to personal experiences and imagination.
• Consider recording student responses with photo or audio (with permissions) to reflect on learning growth over the unit.

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This lesson plan leverages early literacy and expressive skills aligned with the Australian Curriculum v9 for Foundation Year English, focusing on oral language, interpreting images, and responding to literature which adheres closely to the specified standards and learning outcomes【1:AC9LITF02.md】.