Arranging Images

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is designed for preschool students in New Zealand as Lesson 5 of 8 in the unit "Collage of Integrity." The lesson focuses on students arranging collected images on their collage base, highlighting the theme of integrity. The lesson is tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, especially sensory learners and those on the autistic spectrum, with dyslexia-friendly and scaffolded supports integrated.

Learning Objectives (aligned with NZ Curriculum Refresh)

The Arts – Visual Arts (Level 1, Year 0-3)

Visual Arts Achievement Objective:
Explore and express ideas, feelings, and meanings in artworks through arrangement and composition using various materials and techniques, including collage.
Students will demonstrate the disposition to explore and use materials to communicate ideas about integrity.
Develop the key competencies: Managing self, Thinking, and Relating to others by making deliberate choices about image arrangement.

Curriculum references:

Arts learning area: Exploring and developing ideas through working with images and materials
Key Competencies: Managing self (planning and organising), Thinking (making meaning), Relating to others (sharing ideas and respect)
Inclusion Principle: Ensure equitable access through differentiation and visual supports
High Expectations Principle: Scaffold for all students to achieve success criteria

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Arrange images thoughtfully on a collage base to express the concept of integrity.

Success Criteria

Place at least three images on their collage base.
Use visual cues or templates to guide placement.
Begin to tell a simple story or explanation using the arrangement of images.

Differentiation Strategies

Learner Profile	Strategy
Students needing support	Provide image placement templates to support spatial organisation.
Sensory learners (e.g., autistic students)	Use tactile image options (textured materials) and allow movement breaks.
Dyslexic learners	Use clear visual cues, symbols, and minimal written instructions.
Advanced learners	Encourage storytelling or sharing of the meaning behind their image arrangement.

Materials Needed

Collage bases (e.g., cardboard or sturdy paper)
Pre-collected images relating to "integrity" (photos, pictures, magazine cutouts)
Templates for image placement (simple outlines or shapes)
Adhesives (glue sticks or non-toxic glue)
Visual cue cards illustrating placement steps
Seating arranged to reduce sensory overstimulation if needed

Lesson Plan (30 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description	Support/Notes
0-5 mins	Introduction & Warm-up	Recap the theme "integrity" with simple language and images; explain arranging images on base.	Use simple visual aids showing arranged collage examples. Ask students to show thumbs up if they understand.
5-10 mins	Demonstration	Teacher models arranging 3 images on a template collage base, thinking aloud about placement.	Use clear, slow speech; point to visual template cues; keep sensory calm environment.
10-20 mins	Guided Arrangement Activity	Students arrange at least three images on their collage base using templates or free placement.	Circulate to provide 1:1 support; allow use of textured images; give time and breaks for focus as needed.
20-25 mins	Storytelling Extension (optional for advanced learners)	Encourage students to tell a simple story about why they arranged images as they did.	Use visual story maps or prompts. Accommodate non-verbal students using picture or gesture-based storytelling.
25-30 mins	Reflection & Sharing	Students show their collages; teacher and peers give positive feedback focused on thoughtful arrangement.	Use scaffolded sentence starters: "I like how you placed… because…". Encourage quiet applause or smiles.

Assessment

Formative: Observe students’ ability to place at least three images thoughtfully. Use visual checklists aligned with success criteria.
Anecdotal notes: Record use of visual supports and engagement with storytelling extension.
Peer feedback: Simple positive affirmations during sharing time.

Additional Notes for Teachers

Sensory considerations: Allow students to explore images tactilely before arranging; prepare quiet corners for those needing sensory breaks.
Visual schedules: Use a visual timetable of the lesson activities to ease transitions.
Use of language: Emphasise clear, concrete language, with repetition and pauses to allow processing time.
Support story telling: Provide alternative communication supports such as picture symbols or AAC devices for non-verbal students to share their story.

Curriculum Links Summary

Curriculum Area	Links to Lesson
The Arts (Visual Arts)	Develop exploration, imagination, communication through images and composition. Achieve basic level of idea development in collage.
Key Competencies	Managing Self (planning and organising images), Thinking (consider placement and integrity theme), Relating to Others (sharing their work)
Inclusion and Diversity	Differentiation, scaffolding, sensory supports, dyslexia-friendly visual strategies to ensure accessibility for all students

This lesson plan, informed by the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and Te Mātaiaho principles, blends creative expression with inclusivity and scaffolding to support preschool learners in understanding integrity through visual arts.

If further unit details or integration with other curriculum areas are needed, please ask.

References to curriculum framework and teaching strategies gathered from "Te Mātaiaho" NZ Curriculum documentation and New Zealand Curriculum Overview documents

Teaching Instructions