Lesson Plan: ANZAC Day Commemoration for Years 3-5

Subject Area

Social Sciences

Curriculum Link

Aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum for Social Sciences, Level 2-3. This unit provides the opportunity for students to explore key historical events specific to Aotearoa New Zealand and develop understanding of how these events have shaped the nation's identity.

New Zealand Curriculum - Social Sciences

Lesson Duration

1 hour

Class Size

60 students

Learning Objectives

• Students will understand the significance of ANZAC Day in New Zealand.
• Students will identify and explain how ANZAC Day commemorates the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.
• Students will develop skills in historical inquiry and empathy by engaging with various multimedia resources and participatory activities.

Resources

• Internet access for video clips and digital resources
• Projector and screen for video presentations
• ANZAC poppy flowers (either pre-made or materials for making)
• Copies of letters or diary entries from World War I soldiers (reproductions)
• Storybooks or picture books about ANZAC Day
• Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Details

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin the lesson with a discussion about national holidays and their significance.
• Introduce ANZAC Day: Explain the origins (the ANZACs and their role in World War I, particularly focusing on the Gallipoli campaign).

Activity 1: Viewing and Discussion (15 minutes)

Objective: Students will view a short documentary or video clip about ANZAC Day to build background knowledge.

• Show a video clip about ANZAC Day (for example, a clip from NZHistory or Te Ara - Encyclopedia of New Zealand).
  • NZHistory - ANZAC Day
  • Te Ara Encyclopedia - ANZAC Day
• Discuss the video and check comprehension. Ask students what they understood and how they feel about the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Activity 2: Discussion and Story Reading (15 minutes)

Objective: Help students connect emotionally with the personal aspects of history.

• Read aloud from a children's book about ANZAC Day, such as "Anzac Ted" by Belinda Landsberry or "ANZAC Puppy" by Peter Millett.
• Discuss the stories and the themes of bravery, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Activity 3: Hands-on Activity - Poppy Making (10 minutes)

Objective: Engage students in a meaningful tradition by creating poppies, a symbol of remembrance.

• Guide the students in making their own paper poppy flowers. Provide red paper, black buttons or paper for the centre, and safety pins or sticks to attach them.
• Discuss why poppies are used as a symbol of remembrance.

Activity 4: Reflective Writing/Drawing (10 minutes)

Objective: Allow students to reflect on what they have learned and express it creatively.

• Have students write a short paragraph or draw a picture that expresses what ANZAC Day means to them.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Recap the day’s activities and learning.
• Encourage students to take their poppies home and explain their significance to their families.
• Mention the ANZAC Day services that occur locally and the importance of community involvement in such commemorations.

Evaluation

• Assess students’ participation and engagement in discussions and activities.
• Review students' reflective writings/drawings to gauge their understanding and personal connection to the topic.

Extension Ideas

• Invite a veteran or a military historian to speak to the class.
• Organise a field trip to a local war memorial.
• Create a class wreath to lay at a local ANZAC service.