Lesson Plan: Exploring ANZAC Day

Subject: Aotearoa New Zealand's Histories

Year Level: Year 5

Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 29 students

Curriculum Area and Level:

• Social Sciences - Level 3 of The New Zealand Curriculum
• Specific Strands:
  • Time, Continuity, and Change: Understand how events have causes and effects.
  • Social Studies: Understand how societies remember significant events.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the significance of ANZAC Day in New Zealand and its historical context.
2. Identify key symbols and traditions associated with ANZAC Day, such as poppies and dawn services.
3. Explore personal and national perspectives on the importance of remembering historical events.

Resources:

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Internet access for video resources
• Copies of poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae (public domain)
• Art supplies: red paper, black paper, glue, scissors
• Link to NZHistories Curriculum Content: Aotearoa NZ's Histories PDF for more background information.

Lesson Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Begin by asking students what they already know about ANZAC Day. Write their ideas on the board.
• Briefly explain the origins of ANZAC Day, focusing on the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.

Video and Discussion (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Show a short, age-appropriate documentary clip about ANZAC Day from NZHistory.govt.nz (e.g., a clip about the Gallipoli campaign or the significance of dawn services).
• Discuss the video: What new information did they learn? How do they think soldiers felt during the campaign?

Symbolism of ANZAC (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Discuss key symbols of ANZAC Day, notably the red poppy. Explain its significance and origins relating to John McCrae’s poem "In Flanders Fields".
• Read the poem aloud to the class.

Creative Activity: Making Poppies (15 minutes)

Activity:

• Students will create their own red poppies using red and black paper. Each student cuts a poppy shape out of red paper and a smaller black circle for the centre.
• While they work, encourage them to think about what the poppy symbolises and who they are making the poppy for (e.g., a soldier, a nurse).

Reflection and Sharing (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Have students share their completed poppies and whom they’ve dedicated them to. If possible, create a display in the classroom with all the poppies.
• Conclude with a reflective discussion on why it is important to remember historical events like ANZAC Day.

Assessment:

• Formative Assessment: Monitor discussions and creative activity for understanding of ANZAC Day’s significance and empathy towards historical events.
• Reflective Questions: Use student responses from the final discussion to assess their understanding and personal connection to the lesson.

Extensions:

• Encourage students to research their own family histories related to World War I or any other significant historical conflicts involving New Zealand.
• Suggest they interview older family members about their memories of ANZAC Day traditions.

Notes:

• Align all activities with the Key Competencies in the New Zealand Curriculum, particularly relating to Thinking, Using Language, Symbols and Texts, and Participating and Contributing.
• This lesson plan incorporates elements intended to foster a deeper connection and understanding of New Zealand’s history and cultural narratives.