Insect Costume Sharing

Unit: Insect Costume Creations – Lesson 5 of 5

Year: 2
Subject: Art
Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 20 students

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Lesson Overview

In this final lesson of the unit, students will complete their insect costumes and prepare to present them to the class. Each student will share:

• The insect they selected
• The materials they used
• The process they followed to create their costume

This activity promotes reflection, communication skills, and confidence, while celebrating the creativity and effort invested throughout the unit.

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Curriculum Connections (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

Learning Area: The Arts (Visual Arts Strand)

• Level: 1-2 (Year 2)
• Achievement Objectives:
  • Develop ideas in response to a variety of motivations, observation, and imagination (The Arts - Visual Arts, Explore and Express Ideas level 1-2)
  • Select and use materials, tools, and techniques for a range of purposes (The Arts - Visual Arts, Developing Practical Knowledge level 1-2)
  • Share and discuss their own artworks and those of others, responding to ideas, methods, and approaches (The Arts - Visual Arts, Presenting and Responding level 1-2)

Key Competencies

• Managing Self: Students demonstrate focus and perseverance to complete their costumes and prepare their presentation.
• Relating to Others: Students use respectful listening and communication skills during peer presentations.
• Participating and Contributing: Students contribute to a positive class environment by sharing their work and supporting others.

Thinking

• Reflect on their creative process and outcomes, recognising effort and accomplishments.

Communication (English learning area integration)

• Develop confidence in oral presentation
• Use simple narrative structure (beginning, middle, end)
• Express ideas clearly about their artistic choices and experience

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Complete their insect costume using available materials.
2. Describe the insect they chose and share three key details: insect name, materials used, and the making process.
3. Reflect on and celebrate their creative work in a supportive group setting.
4. Listen attentively and respond appropriately to peers' presentations.

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Materials Needed

• Completed or near-completed insect costumes
• Reflection prompt cards with simple sentence starters (e.g., "My insect is a ____. I used ____. I made it by ____.")
• Space for presentations (e.g., circle seating arrangement)
• Timer or signal to keep presentations brief (1 – 2 minutes per student)

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links
0-5 mins	Welcome and Set-up	Gather students in a circle. Remind the class of the unit’s purpose and the exciting opportunity to share their costumes today.	Managing Self, Relating to Others
5-15 mins	Complete Costume Finishing	Students make final adjustments or repairs to their costumes with support if needed. Teacher circulates to assist and encourage.	Visual Arts - Developing Practical Knowledge
15-28 mins	Show and Tell Presentations	Each student presents their insect costume to the class, using reflection prompts to help organise their thoughts. - Teacher models how to share using a costume example. - Encourage use of clear voice and eye contact.	Key Competencies: Communication, Participating and Contributing Presenting to others - structured talk
28-30 mins	Reflection and Celebration	Teacher facilitates a brief discussion about what students enjoyed making their costumes and what they learned. - Use positive affirmations and encourage clapping for classmates. - Invite students to share one thing they liked about a peer's costume.	Metacognition and Self-Regulation – Reflecting on learning

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Teaching and Learning Strategies

• Model Presentation:
  Demonstrate a short presentation of your own insect costume or a known insect using simple language and clear structure to boost student confidence.

• Use Visual and Verbal Prompts:
  Provide students with cue cards and sentence starters to scaffold their thinking and speaking.

• Peer Support:
  Pairing timid speakers with a buddy to rehearse before presenting can reduce anxiety.

• Positive Reinforcement:
  Use praise and encouragement to reinforce students’ effort and communication skills.

• Inclusive Practice:
  Allow alternative presentation formats if needed (e.g., drawing, using gestures). Respect cultural differences and communication preferences.

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Assessment (Formative)

• Observe student engagement and ability to speak about their costume in a way that is organised and clear.
• Use a simple rubric or checklist on:
  • Costume completion and creativity
  • Ability to identify and explain insect choice and materials
  • Clarity and confidence in presentation
  • Listening skills and respectful responses during peer presentations

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Extension Ideas

• Record presentations to review with students later, promoting self-reflection and improvement.
• Invite family members or another class to a costume parade or presentation to build pride and community connection.
• Create a classroom display of the costumes alongside students’ written reflections or drawings about their insect.

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Key Curriculum References

• The Arts / Visual Arts: Explore and Express Ideas, Develop Practical Knowledge, Presenting and Responding Levels 1-2
• English / Presenting to Others and Metacognition (Reflecting on learning) Levels 1-2
• Key Competencies: Managing Self, Relating to Others, Participating and Contributing
• Guidance on confidence, clear speech, audience awareness from the English curriculum refresh

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This lesson warmly concludes the "Insect Costume Creations" unit by integrating arts, communication, and reflection, fostering a joyful and supportive learning environment that recognises all students' creativity and voices.