Honouring Our Veterans

Year 3 Australian History Lesson Plan

Overview

This lesson plan is designed for Year 3 students in Australia to explore the topic of Australian Veterans while complementing the Australian Curriculum: History. By the end of the lesson, students will gain respect and understanding for those who have served the country and discuss the importance of remembering their sacrifices.

Australian Curriculum Alignment

Curriculum Area: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) - History
Content Descriptions:

• Identify and describe the significance of local people, events, places, and/or artifacts (ACHASSK062).
• Pose questions about the past and locate information from historical sources provided (ACHASSI052).

Learning Objectives

• Recognise and appreciate the role and contributions of Australian veterans.
• Engage with stories and perspectives of veterans.
• Develop an understanding of historical remembrance practices.

Resources Needed

• Images and photos of Australian veterans in different periods.
• Short video clip or audio recording of an Australian veteran sharing their story.
• Whiteboard or smartboard.
• Printed handouts with key questions.

Lesson Structure (40 minutes)

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Greeting and Introduction: Welcome the class and briefly outline the learning objectives.
• Hook: Show a compelling image of Australia's involvement in past wars (e.g., a photograph of Australian service members during ANZAC Day).
• Discussion: Ask students what they know about ANZAC Day and why it is important.

Exploration & Activity (20 minutes)

• Story Sharing (10 minutes): Play a short video or audio recording featuring an Australian veteran recounting part of their service experience.

  • Prompt Questions: Ask students how the veteran felt about their role and what emotions they expressed during or after their service.
  • Allow students to share their thoughts with a partner briefly.

• Photo Analysis Activity (10 minutes): Distribute printed photographs of Australian veterans in different settings (e.g., in uniform, during community services).

  • Group Work: In small groups, examine the photo and discuss these questions:
    • Who might the person in the photo be, and what is their story?
    • What do they think this veteran’s contribution might have been?
    • How does the photo make them feel about veterans?

Conclusion & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Class Reflection: Call the class back together. Invite students to share something new they learned about Australian veterans or a feeling they had during the activities.
• Significance and Respect: Discuss why it is important to remember and honour Australian veterans. Emphasise Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day as opportunities for reflection and gratitude.
• Closing Activity: Have students write a short thank-you note or create a simple drawing to express respect for a veteran.

Differentiation

• For students requiring additional support: Pair them with a peer for activities and provide simplified handouts or guided questions.
• For advanced learners: Challenge them to inquire further into a veteran's experience and explore their impact on Australian society.

Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussions and activities.
• Review the thank-you notes or drawings for understanding and appreciation of the topic.
• Check for engagement and willingness to express thoughts or feelings during reflection.

Extension Activity

Encourage students to interview a family member or community figure who is a veteran or has close connections with veterans. They can then share findings with the class on another day.

By crafting this lesson plan with creativity and specificity, teachers can foster a deepening respect and curiosity among Year 3 students about the vital roles and sacrifices of Australian veterans.