New Zealand in WWI

Overview

This 40-minute lesson introduces Years 4-6 students in New Zealand to World War 1, focusing specifically on New Zealand’s involvement. The lesson supports students to begin exploring New Zealand’s place in global events and develops key historical understandings grounded in the New Zealand Curriculum Social Sciences learning area.

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Learning Objectives (WALT: We Are Learning To)

• Understand what World War 1 was and why it is important in New Zealand history.
• Identify New Zealand’s role and experiences during World War 1.
• Develop empathy by considering the experiences of New Zealand soldiers and families.
• Use historical sources and stories to explore past events.
• Communicate ideas about history using appropriate language.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what World War 1 was in simple terms.
• I can describe at least one way New Zealand was involved in World War 1.
• I can identify the feelings of people involved in the war.
• I can use a story or image to tell others about World War 1.
• I can work with others to share ideas and listen respectfully.

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Curriculum Links

Social Sciences (Years 4-6)

• Understand how the past is important to people’s lives.
• Learn how historical events affect people and communities.
• Gather and interpret information from sources, stories, and images.
• Develop appreciation for multiple perspectives in history.

Achievement objectives include:

• Understand how contexts of events influence actions and see those events from multiple viewpoints (NZC Social Sciences, Level 2-3 Achievement Objectives).
• Develop skills in gathering and interpreting information from a variety of sources (NZC Social Sciences).

Key Competencies

• Thinking: Asking questions about the past and thinking critically about causes and effects.
• Using language, symbols, and texts: Interpreting stories, images, and historical symbols.
• Relating to others: Sharing ideas respectfully and recognizing different perspectives.
• Managing self: Setting goals for learning and working collaboratively.
• Participating and contributing: Engaging in classroom activities with a sense of responsibility.

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 min	Hook: Class Discussion	Introduce the topic by asking: “What do you know about World War 1?” Follow with, “Why might New Zealanders have taken part in a war so far away?” Use questions to activate prior knowledge and curiosity.
5-15 min	Storytime: A Soldier’s Tale	Read (or show a video/audio of) a child-appropriate story or diary excerpt about a New Zealand soldier in WW1. This personal story helps students connect emotionally. Emphasise experiences of soldiers and families back home.
15-25 min	Historical Sources Exploration	Show images (photographs, postcards, medals) and simple primary sources related to New Zealand’s WW1 involvement. In small groups, students discuss what they notice and what the items might tell us about the war. Use guiding questions.
25-35 min	Group Activity: Mapping New Zealand’s WW1 Journey	Using a New Zealand map printout or projected map, students mark where soldiers went (e.g., Gallipoli, Europe). Integrate simple compass points to support spatial understanding. Discuss why location mattered.
35-40 min	Reflection and Sharing	Each group shares one thing they found interesting. Close with revisiting WALT and success criteria, asking students to self-assess their learning. A brief formative feedback session to gauge understanding.

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Learning Resources

• Age-appropriate soldier story or diary excerpt
• Print or digital images of WW1 artefacts relevant to New Zealand (e.g., medals, uniforms, posters)
• Large map of New Zealand and surrounding regions
• Compass rose for direction introduction (raki/north, tonga/south, rāwhiti/east, uru/west)
• Chart paper or digital whiteboard for group work

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Teacher Notes

• Scaffold new vocabulary related to WW1 carefully (e.g., soldier, war, Gallipoli, trenches, families).
• Foster empathy by focusing on personal stories rather than just dates and facts.
• Encourage respectful listening and multiple viewpoints.
• Connect with local history if possible (e.g., WW1 memorials or local iwi stories).
• Adjust story length and content based on class ability and interests.

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This lesson plan follows the New Zealand Curriculum, especially the Social Sciences learning area for Years 4-6, supporting students to understand historical contexts, develop critical thinking, and relate to others through historical empathy. It integrates the key competencies seamlessly with historical knowledge and skills, setting a strong foundation for further studies on New Zealand history and global interactions.