Honouring Australian Veterans

Overview

This lesson plan for Year 1 students in Australia focuses on the theme of Australian veterans, providing a foundation in understanding the significance of veterans within the context of Australian history. The lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum's Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) strands for Year 1 students, with a focus on developing connections to the personal and community significance of historical events and figures.

Australian Curriculum Reference

• Curriculum Area: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
• Strand: History
• Focus: Personal and Community Histories
• Key Content Descriptor: The history of a significant person, building, site or part of the natural environment in the local community and what it reveals about the past

Objectives

• Introduce the concept of veterans and their importance in Australian history.
• Help students understand the role of veterans in shaping Australian society.
• Foster empathy and respect for veterans and their contributions.

Materials

• Photos and simple stories of Australian veterans.
• Australian flag.
• Craft materials (coloured paper, crayons, glue).
• Large poster paper.
• Small pieces of paper (for writing/drawing thank you notes).

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Warm-up Discussion:
   • Invite students to sit in a circle.
   • Show an Australian flag and ask if anyone knows what it stands for.
   • Briefly introduce the concept of veterans using simple language: "Veterans are special people who have helped keep Australia safe and strong."

Main Activity (15 minutes)

2. Story Time:

   • Share a simple story about a well-known Australian veteran, using age-appropriate language and visuals. Emphasise bravery and community contribution.

3. Photo Exploration:

   • Show photos of different Australian veterans. Ask students to look at the pictures and describe what they see.
   • Explain in simple terms what each person did for Australia.

4. Thank You Notes Activity:

   • Provide each student with paper and crayons.
   • Ask them to draw or write a thank you note to a veteran.
   • Encourage them to think of one word that describes veterans, such as "brave" or "helpful," and write or draw that on their note.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

5. Create a Veterans Mural:

   • Using the large poster paper, ask students to glue their thank you notes around a drawing of the Australian flag.
   • Encourage students to share what they wrote or drew and why they chose those words or pictures.

6. Reflection:

   • Gather students back into a circle and ask questions like:
     • "What did you learn about veterans today?"
     • "How do you think veterans help Australia?"
   • Conclude with an appreciation statement, acknowledging the importance of veterans' contributions and encouraging students to think about ways to show respect and gratitude to people in their community.

Extension Activity

• Have students bring in an item or a family story about a family member or friend who may have served as a veteran. Spend a few minutes each morning, for the following week, discussing these personal connections.

Assessment Methods

• Observe student participation during discussions and activities.
• Review thank you notes and assess understanding based on drawings and words used.

By the end of this lesson, Year 1 students should have a foundational understanding of who veterans are and why they are important to Australian history, fostering a sense of respect and appreciation for their service.