Honouring Our Heroes

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Context

• Year Level: Foundation (Prep)

• Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) – History strand

• Curriculum Links:

  • Foundation Level – HASS (History) – Knowledge and Understanding
    • ACHASSK012: How the stories of families and the past can be communicated, for example, through photographs, artefacts, books, oral histories, digital media, and museums.
    • ACHASSK013: The different ways people commemorate important events within the community.

• General Capabilities:

  • Personal and Social Capability
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Ethical Understanding

• Cross-curriculum Priorities:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (where appropriate sensitivity applies)

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Objective

By the end of the session, students will:

• Understand that Anzac Day is a day of remembrance in Australia.
• Identify simple traditions and symbols associated with Anzac Day (poppies, Anzac biscuits, marches, dawn services).
• Recognise the significance of showing respect and remembrance for the soldiers.

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Duration

30 minutes (ideal for Foundation students’ attention span)

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Resources

• Storybook: "Anzac Ted" by Belinda Landsberry (physical book or printable slides for reading)
• Printable poppy templates
• Red crayons, markers, or coloured pencils
• Pre-cut green cardboard poppy stems
• Gold star stickers
• Simple audio recording of the "Last Post" (instrumental only, no lyrics)
• Craft glue
• A3 commemorative wreath template (one per group)

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Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes) – "What is Special?"

• Gather students on the mat.

• Display a few symbolic items: a small Australian flag, a poppy flower picture, and an Anzac biscuit.

• Ask:

  "What do you think these items are for? Why might they be special?"

• Allow 2–3 student volunteers to share thoughts briefly before explaining:

  "They are special because they help us remember brave people from a long time ago."

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2. Story Time (8 minutes) – "Anzac Ted"

• Read "Anzac Ted" aloud, showing the pictures as you read.

• Pause mid-story briefly to ask:

  • "How do you think the boy feels about Anzac Ted?"
  • "Why do people feel proud remembering their special people?"

• After reading, explain simply:

  "Anzac Day is about thanking and remembering soldiers who helped keep us safe."

(Keep explanations linked closely to the story themes to cement understanding.)

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3. Group Craft Activity (12 minutes) – "Poppy Wreaths"

• Students move to tables arranged in groups of 6–8.

• Each child colours a printed poppy template using red.

• Once coloured, they glue their poppy onto the group’s A3 commemorative wreath template.

• Add a green cardboard stem and a gold star sticker to their poppy.

• While working, teachers or aides circulate and gently discuss:

  • "What colours are important on Anzac Day?"
  • "Why do you think red poppies are used?"

• Encourage students to say:

  "We remember."

• Quick tip: Play soft instrumental "Last Post" music in the background during crafting to deepen the reflective mood.

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4. Whole-Class Moment (5 minutes) – "We Remember Together"

• Gather students back to the mat.

• Show the completed wreaths and mentor choral repetition:

  • Teacher says: "We remember the brave."
  • Students repeat: "We remember the brave."
  • Add motions: one hand over heart when saying "remember."

• Briefly explain:

  "When we see poppies or hear the Last Post, we stand still and remember."

• Optionally, ask students to stand silently and bow heads for 20 seconds while the "Last Post" ends.

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Assessment

• Ongoing observation of students’ engagement, listening skills, response to questioning, and participation.
• Success Criteria:
  • Students can name at least one tradition linked to Anzac Day.
  • Students demonstrate respect during the whole-class reflection.

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Extension/Adaptation Opportunities

• Early finishers: Draw another poppy for home or write "Thank you" inside the wreath.
• Students needing support: Help by pairing with a buddy for the craft section.
• Further learning: Invite a local veteran (through planned incursions) to show photos or items in a future session.

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Teacher Reflection

• Did students demonstrate an understanding of why Anzac Day is important?
• Which parts of the lesson promoted the most engagement?
• How could the sensory elements (music/crafting) be used more next time?

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Important Reminders

• Be sensitive to children from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Frame discussions around bravery, community, and remembrance — avoid graphic detail.
• Ensure inclusive language around the concept of "all kinds of heroes."

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Created with Australian Foundation Learning in mind – proudly aligning to the real spirit of Anzac Day.

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Would you also like a fresh follow-up lesson idea designed to build on this one for the next day? 🌟