Understanding Diversity

Overview

This 30-minute lesson for Year 0-1 students is Lesson 2 in the unit One Family, Many Faces. It focuses on introducing students to the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions around the world, highlighting the beauty of differences within God's family. The plan is grounded explicitly in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh framework, emphasizing key competencies and values. It balances engaging interactive activities with reflection appropriate for 5-6 year-olds.

Curriculum Links

Learning Area

Religious Education (integrated approach drawing on social sciences and English)

Key Competencies (New Zealand Curriculum, pages 12-13)

Relating to others: Recognise others have different feelings, ideas, and cultures.
Participating and contributing: Sharing ideas and learning from peers.
Thinking: Recognising diversity as positive.

Values (New Zealand Curriculum, page 10)

Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciating and respecting different cultures and traditions.
Respect: Showing care for others' ideas and backgrounds.

Principles (New Zealand Curriculum, page 9)

Cultural diversity: Valuing students’ cultural heritages and identities.
Inclusion: Creating equitable learning opportunities.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Recognise that people in our world have different cultures, languages, and traditions.
Appreciate that these differences make our world beautiful and reflect God's family.

Success Criteria

I can name at least two different cultures or ways people live.
I can share what is special about my own family or culture.
I can listen respectfully to others and recognise that their family or culture might be different from mine.
I can show kindness to everyone, no matter where they come from.

Lesson Plan

Time	Activity	Description	Resources	NZ Curriculum Reference
0-5 min	Welcome & Introduction	Gather students on the mat. Briefly recap the last lesson about family and introduce today’s lesson on diversity. Use simple language: “Today we are going to learn about how families and people around the world are all different and special!”	Picture cards showing families from different cultures	Values: Diversity, Inclusion; Key Competencies: Relating to others
5-15 min	Story Time: A Journey Around the World	Read aloud a simple picture book or story highlighting diverse cultures and traditions around the world, emphasising respect and appreciation for differences. Use expressive reading and ask simple questions to engage students (e.g., “What do you notice about their clothes?”)	Age-appropriate illustrated storybook depicting diverse cultures (ideally a local or biblical story adapted for this purpose)	English learning: Comprehending and creating texts; Key Competencies: Thinking, Relating to others
15-25 min	Interactive Activity: Our Many Faces—All God’s Family	A group activity where students place photos or illustrations of people with varied skin tones, clothing, and languages on a large poster shaped like a heart to represent God's family. Each student can share something about themselves or their family culture if they wish.	Large heart poster, family photos, cut-out pictures of diverse children, glue sticks	Principles: Cultural diversity, Inclusion; Values: Respect; Key Competencies: Participating and contributing
25-30 min	Reflection and Song	Conclude with a simple song or chant about friendship and diversity ("God’s family is big and wide, full of love on every side"). Reinforce the message that our differences are a gift from God. End with a brief reflection: “How can we show kindness to someone who is different from us?”	Song lyrics printed, music player (optional)	Values: Diversity; Key Competencies: Relating to others

Assessment (Formative)

Observation of students during discussion and group activity to see if they show an understanding of diversity.
Listen for students’ ability to identify differences respectfully and share aspects of their own family.
Use success criteria during reflection to gauge understanding.

Teaching Notes and Differentiation

Use simple, clear language and visual cues for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners.
Allow students to share verbally or by drawing their family or culture if they prefer.
Incorporate Te Reo Māori greetings and possibly incorporate basic te reo words related to family and diversity, acknowledging local tikanga Māori perspectives.
Create an inclusive and safe environment for children to express their own identity.

Suggested Follow-up

Continue the unit with lessons exploring specific cultures represented in the class.
Invite families to share traditional stories, songs or artefacts.
Use digital tools for older or more able students to create a simple book or photo collage representing diversity.

This lesson plan ensures alignment with the New Zealand Curriculum’s refreshed focus on cultural diversity, inclusion, and key competencies suitable for Year 0-1 students. It embeds values and principles clearly into the learning processes, ensuring students receive a positive foundation in respecting and celebrating difference within God's family .

Teaching Instructions