Preparing for Expo

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for Year 1 students (2 students in class) as lesson 19 of 20 in the unit "Past, Present and Future". Students will create visual posters and displays of their projects and rehearse presentations individually in preparation for an upcoming class Expo. This hands-on lesson supports their understanding of how to share knowledge about past, present, and future topics with others, aligned tightly with the NSW Curriculum for Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Create visual displays that clearly communicate their understanding of a project related to past, present, or future.
• Rehearse presenting their project information with confidence, using clear language and visuals.
• Demonstrate skills in organising information, using subject-specific terms about time and history.
• Respond to questions and reflect on their learning and presentation skills.

These objectives align with the NSW HASS Year 1 Achievement Standard, particularly that students:

• Identify continuity and change in family structures and daily life,
• Develop questions, collect and record information, and
• Share narratives and observations about people and the past using subject-specific terms.

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Curriculum Links

• Content Descriptions:

• HTe-1: Identify different features of places and how they can be cared for and represented.

• HTd-1: Sequence familiar events (past, present, future) and understand continuity and change.

• HGe-1: Collect information and represent simple data about familiar places.

• HEn-1: Communicate information and ideas about the past and present using oral language and simple texts.

• Cross-curriculum priorities:

• Literacy development through narrative and oral presentation.

• Digital technology skills (optional) to support poster creation.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Materials
0-10 min	Introduction and Recap	Teacher briefly revisits unit focus on Past, Present, and Future. Discuss the purpose of the Expo and how to share learning visually and verbally. Set expectations for independent rehearsal and creativity.	Whiteboard/Chart paper
10-30 min	Poster Creation	Students design and make their visual posters or displays illustrating their project topic (past, present, or future). Teacher supports students to organise their information logically, encourages use of relevant terminology, and assist with drawing, writing, or gluing pictures.	Paper, coloured pencils, markers, glue, scissors, pictures/photos for collages
30-45 min	Individual Rehearsals	Each student rehearses their presentation individually in a quiet space. Teacher acts as the audience, providing gentle feedback on clarity, volume, and expression. Emphasis on using complete sentences and subject-specific words like "past," "present," "future," "change," and "things that stay the same."	Student posters/displays
45-55 min	Presentation Sharing	Students share their rehearsed presentations with each other, practicing listening and giving positive feedback. Teacher guides respectful communication and uses prompts to encourage students to ask and answer simple questions about each other's work.	Student posters, seating arranged to face each other
55-60 min	Reflection and Wrap-up	Teacher leads a brief reflective discussion: What did you enjoy about preparing your poster? What was challenging? How does sharing help us learn more? Collect posters for Expo set-up.	None

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Teaching Strategies

• Differentiation: Since the class has only two students, instruction can be personalised. For students needing support, provide sentence starters or visual templates for posters. For those excelling, encourage adding extra details or practising expressive storytelling.
• Modelling: Demonstrate how to explain a project with enthusiasm and clear vocabulary before students rehearse.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise effort both in creating visuals and oral presentation skills to build confidence.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observes students’ ability to organise information on posters and clarity of oral presentations.
• Success Criteria:
• Poster visually represents the student’s topic with appropriate images and simple text.
• Student speaks clearly about their project using terms related to chronology and change.
• Student listens and responds politely to peer presentations.
• Anecdotal notes will inform final preparation for the Expo (Lesson 20).

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Resources Needed

• Large sheets of paper or poster boards
• Coloured pencils, markers, glue sticks, scissors
• Printed images or stickers relevant to Past, Present, and Future topics
• Quiet presentation area setup

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Extension Ideas (If time permits)

• Use simple digital tools or apps to create an electronic version of the poster.
• Record presentations to help students self-assess or share with families.

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This lesson integrates key linguistic and cognitive skills appropriate for Year 1 students within the NSW HASS framework, leveraging active learning and peer interaction while preparing students for a culminating class event showcasing their learning journey about time, change, and continuity. It balances creativity, communication, and critical thinking privileges afforded in small class settings.

This structure supports culminating the "Past, Present and Future" unit with a memorable, interactive event that celebrates student learning and growth.