Sharing Our Collages

Context

This is Lesson 7 of 8 in the unit "Collage of Integrity" designed for preschool students in New Zealand, focusing on art. The lesson aims to encourage students to share and explain their collages that represent the concept of integrity.

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WALT

We Are Learning To share our collages with confidence and explain the meaning behind one image in our artwork.

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Success Criteria

• Each student can show their collage to the class.
• Each student explains the meaning behind one image or element in their collage.
• Students listen respectfully to their classmates.
• Use of visual prompts to aid sharing.

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Learning Objectives (Aligned with New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

Learning Area: The Arts (Visual Arts)

• Strand: Communicating and Interpreting
• Level: Foundation (Preschool)
• Objectives:
  • Express ideas and feelings through artworks.
  • Share and describe their artwork using simple language and visual supports.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of personal and social concepts, here focusing on integrity, through the choice of images and materials.
• Support development of oral language skills to describe art, supporting communication competencies and manaakitanga (respect and care for others).
• Foster identity, language, and culture by enabling self-expression respectfully within the group.

Competencies Developed

• Thinking: Reflect on personal artwork and the concept of integrity.
• Relating to Others: Listen and respond to peers’ presentations respectfully.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Use vocabulary related to feelings and values.
• Managing Self: Build confidence through supported sharing.

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Time Allocation

Total: 30 minutes
Class Size: 10 students

Time	Activity	Description
0-5m	Welcome and Lesson Introduction	Circle time to introduce the WALT, success criteria, and briefly recap what integrity means. Use simple sentences and visuals (e.g., pictures of integrity symbols). Dyslexia-friendly pictorial prompts displayed.
5-20m	Sharing Our Collages (Main Activity)	Each student has 1-2 minutes to show their collage and explain one image or symbol that represents integrity. Use a visual sharing cue card to help students express their ideas. Offer one-on-one sharing for students who need extra support. Provide teaching assistant support and visual prompts for those with sensory or language needs.
20-28m	Class Discussion and Positive Feedback	After each share, peers and teacher give positive, simple feedback. Celebrate curiosity and effort. Reinforce verbal and non-verbal encouragement. Small group and paired feedback also supported for some students.
28-30m	Reflection and Extension Activity Introduction	Explain the extension: creating a class book of all collages with a sentence and a photo or drawing for each student. Use visuals to show what a book looks like and how it helps remember everyone’s ideas. Check for students’ interest and plan day/time for the book-making activity.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For students with language or communication challenges:

  • Use one-on-one sharing if whole class sharing is overwhelming.
  • Provide sentence stems using pictures and keywords (e.g., "My picture shows... because...")
  • Use assistive communication devices or pictorial cards.

• For sensory-sensitive/autistic students:

  • Ensure a quiet, calm environment for sharing.
  • Allow students to share from their spot if moving to front feels uncomfortable.
  • Use clear, calm visual prompts and minimal distractions.

• For students needing extended challenge:

  • Encourage them to explain more than one image.
  • Invite them to help compile the class book, dictating text or drawing additional illustrations.

• Dyslexia-friendly Reading and Speaking Support:

  • Use pictorial cues to support vocabulary.
  • Keep spoken language clear, concise, and consistent.
  • Reinforce explanations visually (e.g., show the image while talking about it).

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Resources

• Individual student collages completed from previous lessons.
• Visual sharing cue cards with icons representing "show," "talk," "listen," and "thank you."
• Sentence stems printed with pictures (e.g., "My collage shows ___ because ___.")
• Camera or tablet for photographing collages.
• Materials for creating a class book (paper, binder, laminator if available).
• Calm, well-lit space with seating arranged in a circle.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observe each student’s ability to explain one image and link it to the concept of integrity.
  • Note students' use of language and participation level.

• Feedback:

  • Celebrate all contributions positively.
  • Use encouraging phrases, e.g., "I like how you talked about..." or "Thank you for sharing your ideas."
  • Highlight specific language or concepts used correctly.

• Ongoing:

  • Use reflections for planning the final lesson (Lesson 8) where the class book is created and shared.

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Teaching Tips for Sensory Learners & Special Needs

• Allow extra processing time during sharing.
• Prepare students beforehand about the sharing order to reduce anxiety.
• Use calm and consistent routines.
• Reinforce positive behaviour with visual charts or reward tokens if needed.
• Engage with parents/caregivers regarding the theme of integrity to reinforce learning at home.

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Summary

This lesson provides a structured, supportive environment for preschool students, especially those with diverse learning needs, to creatively communicate ideas about integrity through art and verbal sharing. The inclusion of visual supports, one-on-one opportunities, and an extension activity aligns fully with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh’s emphasis on inclusive, culturally responsive teaching that promotes identity and wellbeing.

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If you want, I can also provide customizable templates for the visual sharing cue cards or sentence stems!