Remembering the ANZACs

Curriculum Links

Learning Area: Social Sciences (Aotearoa New Zealand Histories)
Curriculum Level: Level 1 (Years 0–2)
Strand:

• Understand that events have causes and effects.
• Understand how people record and pass on stories about significant historical events.

Mathematics Integration:

• Mathematics and Statistics — Level 1
• Measurement strand: Using non-standard and standard measuring units.

Visual Arts Integration:

• The Arts — Level 1 (Visual Arts)
• Developing practical knowledge and exploring visual elements such as shape and colour.

---

Lesson Overview

This engaging 60-minute session for Years 0–2 weaves together history, literacy, mathematics, and art, centred around ANZAC Day. Students will start with a shared story, move into hands-on biscuit baking (developing measurement skills), and finish with a creative art activity making poppy artwork using their hands and everyday objects.

The activities are designed to be age-appropriate, sensory, collaborative, and linked directly into students' lived experiences and understanding.

---

Learning Intentions

• I am learning about the meaning of ANZAC Day and why it is important to New Zealanders.
• I am learning to measure ingredients carefully when cooking.
• I am learning to use painting techniques to create symbolic artwork.

---

Success Criteria

• I can talk about why we remember ANZACs.
• I can measure ingredients with help when making biscuits.
• I can create poppy artwork that uses shapes and textures.

---

Resources

• ANZAC Biscuits by Phil Cummings (picture book)
• ANZAC biscuit recipe (simple, child-friendly version)
• Ingredients for ANZAC biscuits (rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter, golden syrup, baking soda, boiling water)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls and wooden spoons
• Baking trays and parchment paper
• Paint (red, black, green)
• Paper plates
• Large sheets of white paper
• Aprons or old shirts for painting
• Circle stamps (e.g., sponge cutouts, bottle caps, or potatoes)

---

Lesson Outline

1. Karakia / Morning Circle (5 minutes)

• Begin with a short karakia to set a respectful tone for the day’s learning.
• Have students sit together on the mat and share a few words about special days they celebrate with their whānau.

---

2. Shared Reading: ANZAC Biscuits (10 minutes)

• Read ANZAC Biscuits aloud to the class, using expressive voice and pausing to ask checking questions:
  • "Why were the biscuits important to Rachel?"
  • "How do you think people felt during the war?"
• Show students illustrations and encourage them to connect with the emotions portrayed.
• Use think-pair-share: "Tell your partner one thing you learnt about ANZAC Day from the story."

---

3. Baking ANZAC Biscuits (25 minutes)

Set Expectations:

• Hygiene (wash hands)
• Listening and following instructions carefully
• Waiting turns patiently

Process:

• Divide into 4 groups of 4 students each.
• Each group has an adult helper (teacher, TA, or parent volunteer).
• Follow a simple step-by-step guide:
  • Measure and mix dry ingredients
  • Melt and mix wet ingredients with adult help
  • Combine and form biscuit shapes
• Discuss measuring: "What happens if we use too much flour?" "What if we don’t measure the golden syrup properly?"

While baking:

• Place the biscuits in the oven (teacher-managed).
• Students wash hands after baking and regroup on the mat.

---

4. Poppy Art Creation (15 minutes)

Set Up:

• Each table station has paints (red, black, green), papers, sponges, bottle caps.

Instructions:

• Handprint Poppy: Dip one hand into red paint and press onto paper as the first poppy.
• Circle Poppies: Use bottle caps or sponges dipped in paint to stamp circles and make two more poppies.
• Add a black centre to each poppy.
• Fingerpaint green stems or use paintbrushes.

Discussion during art:

• "Why do you think we use poppies to remember soldiers?"
• Share the symbolism: poppies grew on the battlefields after WWI.

---

5. Sharing Circle and Reflection (5 minutes)

Gather students around their artwork and finished (or cooling) ANZAC biscuits.

Reflect together:

• "What was your favourite part today?"
• "Why do we remember the ANZACs every year?"
• "What did you learn about measuring ingredients?"

Celebrate:

• Students can taste a biscuit (optional, depending on time and school food policy).
• Display poppy artworks on a "We Remember" class wall.

---

Extensions

For Early Finishers:

• Create a "Thank You" card for soldiers using prepared templates.
• Engage in a quiet corner where they can look through other picture books about New Zealand history.

Home Learning Suggestion:

• Encourage tamariki to share the ANZAC biscuit recipe with their whānau and talk about what they learned.

---

Teacher Notes

• This lesson strongly supports the cross-curricular integration valued in Te Whāriki and the New Zealand Curriculum.
• Using tangible, sensory activities supports young learners’ engagement with complex historical ideas.
• Remember, the primary goal is to build empathy, curiosity, and a basic understanding of the significance of ANZAC Day.

---

End of Lesson

Would you also like a printable PDF version and companion resource sheet ideas for display? I can format an accompanying "wall-worthy" visual pack too if needed! 🌟