Lighthouses Today

Curriculum Details

• Curriculum Area: Social Sciences (New Zealand History)
• Curriculum Level: Level 1 (Years 1–2)
• Big Idea: People use places and spaces for different purposes, and these can change over time.
• Achievement Objective:
  • Understand that places (such as lighthouses) serve particular purposes and have changed over time.
  • Communicate findings and ideas through verbal presentations and discussions.

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Lesson Overview (30 minutes)

In this final lesson, students will reflect on what they have learned about lighthouses and share their model lighthouses with the class. They will discuss why lighthouses are still important today and explore how they have changed over time.

Learning Intentions

• I can explain why lighthouses are still important today.
• I can describe how lighthouses help people.
• I can present my lighthouse model and describe its key features.

Success Criteria

• I can share my ideas about lighthouses confidently.
• I can name at least one reason why lighthouses are still needed.
• I can describe at least one way lighthouses have changed over time.

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Recap (5 mins)

• Gather students in a circle.
• Ask: "What do you remember about lighthouses? Why were they important in the past?"
• Use a soft toy or a "talking stick" to help students take turns answering.

Teacher Prompt: "Lighthouses helped sailors, but do you think they are still needed today? Why or why not?"

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2. Short Story and Discussion (8 mins)

Storytelling Time: Tell a brief story about how a lighthouse helped a stranded boat in modern times. Keep it simple and visual—perhaps using hand gestures or a small model to show the storm and rescue.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do boats still need lighthouses even if we have GPS?
2. Do you think people still work in lighthouses today? Why or why not?
3. What would happen if lighthouses were turned off?

Encourage students to make connections between past and present use.

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3. Sharing Model Lighthouses (10 mins)

• Each student takes turns presenting their model lighthouse.
• Guided prompts for each child:
  • What colour is your lighthouse?
  • What special feature did you include? (Windows? A light? A door?)
  • Who does your lighthouse help?
• Encourage applause or a class-wide positive gesture (e.g., thumbs up) after each presentation.

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4. Final Reflection (5 mins)

Class Discussion: "What have you learned about lighthouses that surprised you?"

• Use a thumbs up/thumbs down/middle response for how much they enjoyed the unit.
• Ask students for one word to describe lighthouses (e.g., "helpful", "bright", "tall", "safe").
• Close with: "Just like lighthouses, we can always help others by guiding them!"

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Assessment and Follow-Up

• Observational Assessment: Listen to students’ responses during discussions. Are they making connections between past and present use of lighthouses?
• Presentation Check: Did they share their model with confidence and include key details?

Extension for Home or Next Lesson Ideas

• Ask students to tell a family member one reason lighthouses are still important.
• Show a modern photo of a New Zealand lighthouse (e.g., Cape Reinga or Dog Island) and compare it with a historical photo.

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Teacher’s Notes

This lesson should remain interactive and student-led as much as possible. Keep the pace quick to hold young learners' attention while ensuring they have time to express their ideas. Consider using a small torch to demonstrate how lighthouse lights work in dark conditions.

By the end of this lesson, students should feel a sense of accomplishment, having built and presented their own lighthouse models, while developing their understanding of why these historical structures are still relevant today. 🌟