Art Lesson Plan: ANZAC Dawn Parade

Year Level: 3

Duration: 40 minutes

Number of Students: 30

Curriculum Area:

Visual Arts, Level 1 from the New Zealand Curriculum.

---

Learning Objectives:

• Students will express ideas based on the theme of the ANZAC dawn parade using visual art forms.
• Students will interpret and celebrate New Zealand culture and heritage related to ANZAC Day.
• Develop understanding and appreciation for the significance of ANZAC Day in New Zealand history.

---

Materials:

• Watercolour paper or thick drawing paper
• Watercolour paints
• Paintbrushes
• Palettes or small containers for watercolour mixing
• Pencils and erasers
• Photographs or images of ANZAC parades (printed in advance)
• Glue and scissors (for optional mixed-media work)
• Collage materials (tissue paper, fabric scraps, etc.)

---

Lesson Outline:

Introduction: (5 minutes)

• Start by discussing ANZAC Day, its significance, and why it is commemorated in New Zealand. Highlight the elements of a dawn parade.
• Show the students some images of the ANZAC dawn parades, focusing on symbols like poppies, soldiers, medals, and dawn services.

Discussion and Exploration: (10 minutes)

• Distribute the images of previous ANZAC parades among the children and discuss what they see (uniforms, medals, people, emotions).
• Ask students to think about the feelings and moods these images evoke. Discuss the use of colours and shapes that could represent these emotions in art.

Art Creation: (20 minutes)

1. Sketching:

   • Allow students to sketch their ideas on paper using pencils. Encourage them to incorporate symbols of ANZAC like poppies, soldiers, or elements of the dawn service.

2. Painting:

   • Students will then paint their sketches using watercolours. Encourage them to experiment with blending colours to create a serene dawn atmosphere or to evoke emotions related to the theme.

3. Optional Mixed-Media:

   • For students who finish early or want to add more textures, provide collage materials. They can add these to their paintings to create a mixed-media artwork.

Sharing and Reflection: (5 minutes)

• Invite students to share their artwork with the class.
• Discuss how the colours and symbols used in their paintings express the ANZAC dawn parade theme and what emotions or stories they aimed to convey through their art.

Conclusion:

• Wrap up the lesson by reminding the students about the importance of ANZAC Day and how art can be a powerful medium to express historical and cultural significance.

Supporting Links:

• For more on the significance of ANZAC Day, refer to NZ History - ANZAC Day.
• For art techniques and ideas, explore Teaching Resources at TKI.

---

Assessment:

• Informal observation of students' engagement and understanding during discussions.
• Evaluate the artworks to see if students were able to communicate their ideas and emotions effectively related to ANZAC Day.

---

Notes for Adaptations for Different Learners:

• Provide additional support by simplifying tasks for students who may struggle with fine motor skills.
• Challenge advanced students by asking them to incorporate narrative elements or detailed background stories into their artwork.

This lesson plan is designed to be inclusive and engaging, ensuring that students not only learn about a significant New Zealand historical event through art but also express their reflections creatively and thoughtfully.