Meet the Teams

Overview

This 45-minute lesson is the second lesson in the Year 1 unit "World Cup Wonders." It focuses on introducing students to selected countries that take part in the World Cup. Students will explore three countries and their flags, then create simple representations of these flags using coloured paper and crayons.

This lesson is designed in alignment with the New Zealand Curriculum's social sciences strand and key competencies, supporting young learners to develop their understanding of the world and their ability to engage in learning and communication.

Learning Objectives

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

Identify and name at least three countries that participate in the World Cup.
Recognise and describe the flags of these countries.
Create simple representations of these flags using craft materials.
Demonstrate curiosity and respect when learning about other countries and cultures.

Curriculum References

Social Sciences strand (Understanding the world and participation) Students will explore the immediate world beyond their homes and how people are connected through events. (The New Zealand Curriculum, Social Sciences - Level 1)
Key Competencies:
Thinking: Students use creative thinking to make and create flags.
Using language, symbols, and texts: Students recognise and use symbols (flags).
Relating to others: Students show respect for other cultures.
Values: Encouragement of inclusion and diversity by learning about different nations.

Resources Needed

Visual aids: pictures of the three selected countries (e.g., Brazil, New Zealand, Italy) and their flags (large clear visuals).
Coloured paper (red, blue, green, white, yellow, black).
Crayons and markers.
Scissors (safety scissors suitable for Year 1).
Glue sticks or tape.
A large world map or globe to place the countries.
Name tags or labels for countries.

Lesson Structure (45 minutes)

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Warm-up Discussion: Gather students in a circle. Ask, "Who knows what the World Cup is?" Show a simple globe and explain that the World Cup is a big event where teams from many countries play sport (football/soccer).
Show the large world map or globe and point to the countries selected for the lesson.
Introduce the names of the countries: Brazil, Italy, and New Zealand (or others chosen by the teacher).

2. Explore Flags (10 minutes)

Show each country’s flag one at a time using large visuals.
Describe the main colours and simple shapes of each flag. For example, "Brazil's flag is green with a yellow diamond and a blue circle."
Encourage students to repeat the country and flag names aloud to promote oral language skills.
Ask simple questions comparing the flags, such as "Which flag has blue?" or "Which flag has stripes?"
Link to the New Zealand Curriculum’s emphasis on oral language and identifying similarities and differences (English and Social Sciences).

3. Flag-Making Activity (20 minutes)

Organise students into small groups (3-4 students) with materials.
Assign each group a country’s flag to create, or allow students to pick.
Provide coloured paper, crayons, scissors, and glue.
Guide students through simple steps to cut and assemble their flag shapes.
Encourage creative freedom—for example, drawing elements if cutting is difficult.
While working, circulate and ask questions about colours, shapes, and country names, reinforcing learning.
Allow students to name their flag and show it to the class.
This activity supports the key competency of thinking and using symbols effectively.

4. Share and Reflect (7 minutes)

Regather as a class. Invite each group to show their flag and say the country’s name.
Place the flags on the wall or a display area on the world map/globe to reinforce the connection between flag and country.
Guide a brief reflection: "What was your favourite flag? What new country did you learn today?"
Emphasise respect for all cultures and curiosity about the world, aligning with values in the curriculum.

Assessment and Evidence of Learning

Observations: Teacher notes students’ ability to identify and name countries and their flags during discussion and flag-making.
Oral responses: Listening to students’ sharing and repetition of flag and country names.
Flag artwork: Completed flags demonstrate recognition of colours and shapes associated with the countries.
Participation: Active engagement in the flag-making and group sharing activities.

Differentiation and Support

Provide visual cues and repeated language support for English Language Learners and students needing extra help.
Use pre-cut coloured shapes for students who find cutting difficult.
Encourage peer support within groups for sharing materials and ideas.
Praise creative attempts beyond exact flag replication to build confidence and inclusiveness.

Links to Future Lessons in Unit

Lesson 3: "Where Do They Play?" — exploring countries’ locations and stadiums.
Lessons 4-6: Dig deeper into cultures, customs, and celebrations related to World Cup nations.

This lesson plan is designed to foster curiosity, communication, and respect for cultural diversity, engaging Year 1 students actively and creatively within the social sciences curriculum of New Zealand.

Teaching Instructions