Rise of Identity

Overview

In this 30-minute session, students aged 7-9 (Years 3/4) will explore how Aotearoa’s national identity developed from 1900-1945, focusing on the impact of World War I and II. The lesson builds on the NZ Curriculum refresh, particularly the Social Sciences learning area with an emphasis on Aotearoa New Zealand histories, ensuring culturally responsive, bicultural perspectives, and competency development.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand key events (WWI and WWII) that shaped a sense of national identity in Aotearoa.
• Know how participation in these wars influenced New Zealanders' identity and their place in the world.
• Do engage in discussions and an interactive group activity to express ideas about national identity and history.

Aligned with NZ Curriculum (Years 3-4 Social Sciences):

• Understanding: How events past and present contribute to our community and identity.
• Knowing: Stories and symbols of national identity, including Māori and Pākehā perspectives.
• Doing: Communicating ideas about the past using oral and dramatic forms.

Key Competencies developed:

• Thinking: Understanding historical cause and effect.
• Relating to others: Sharing ideas and listening to peers.
• Using language, symbols and texts: Communicating historical ideas.
• Participating and contributing: Working collaboratively in group activities.

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Resources Needed

• Timeline poster of Aotearoa events 1900-1945 including WWI and WWII landmarks
• Picture cards (soldiers, peace symbols, kiwi emblem, people at war commemorations)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Story excerpt or simplified factsheet on WWI and WWII relevance to NZ
• Large paper and coloured pencils for group work

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a simple question: "What makes Aotearoa special?"
• Discuss briefly about what identity means — “What makes us New Zealanders?"
• Show the timeline poster highlighting 1900-1945, name WWI and WWII as big world events involving New Zealand.

Teaching Tip: Use clear language and visual aids to connect with diverse learners, including those learning te reo Māori and English.

2. Story and Discussion (8 minutes)

• Read a short, age-appropriate story or tell a narrative about a young New Zealander during WWI (e.g., a soldier’s journey or family at home).
• Highlight how this story shows pride, bravery, and shared identity.
• Prompt questions: "How do you think New Zealanders felt during these wars?" "How did going to war make them feel closer as a country?"
• Introduce the kiwi symbol as a national emblem connected to these experiences.

Learning Guidance: Encourage empathy and connection, linking past events to students’ present-day sense of belonging.

3. Group Activity: Symbol of Identity (12 minutes)

• Divide class into 5 groups (5 students each).
• Each group receives picture cards showing aspects of Aotearoa’s national identity influenced by the wars (e.g., soldiers, war medals, kiwi bird, peace signs, families).
• Task: Discuss what each picture tells about New Zealand’s identity and create a poster on large paper titled: "What Makes Us Kiwi?"
• Encourage groups to draw, write, or stick pictures, and prepare to share 1-2 things their symbol means to their group.

Competency focus: Relating to others (group discussion), Using language and symbols (poster presentation).

4. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Groups present their poster and share their ideas about the symbols and what they learned about national identity.
• Teacher reinforces how shared history, including participation in WWI and WWII, helped New Zealanders understand who they are.

Wrap-up question: "How does knowing about our past help us feel proud of being from Aotearoa?"

5. Conclusion and Home Link (Optional)

• Encourage students to ask family about stories of WWI or WWII to share next time.
• Suggest simple drawing or writing about something they feel proud of about New Zealand for next lesson.

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Assessment

• Informal formative assessment through teacher observation during discussions and group work.
• Check for understanding by listening to group presentations and noting ability to connect symbols/events to identity.
• Use self-assessment prompts: “What did I learn today about being a New Zealander?” (can be verbal or a quick draw).

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Curriculum Links and Rationale

• This lesson incorporates the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories strand of the Social Sciences learning area, aligned with The New Zealand Curriculum refresh — promoting a bicultural approach and historical understanding relevant to Years 3/4 students.
• Embeds the principles of Treaty of Waitangi by including Māori and Pākehā perspectives on identity and history.
• Lesson supports the competency development of thinking, relating to others, using language and symbols, and participating and contributing, ensuring holistic student development consistent with the curriculum framework.
• The use of storytelling as a vehicle for history links with literacy learning goals from English years 3/4, supporting engagement through narrative and discussion.
• Age-appropriate, clear language and interactive group work ensures inclusiveness for all learners, reflecting the learning area’s focus on social participation and citizenship in the NZ context.

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This lesson is designed to be engaging, culturally responsive, and aligned with NZ principles while fostering curiosity, identity understanding, and social competencies among young learners.