Understanding World War I

Unit: ANZAC Stories and Sacrifices

Lesson 2 of 12

Year Levels: 3-4 (Ages 7-9)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

Overview

In this lesson, students will be introduced to World War I with a focus on New Zealand’s role, the key events, and the impact of the war on soldiers and their families. The lesson aims to provide a foundational understanding appropriate for Years 3-4 students, while integrating values and competencies from the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. Through a combination of storytelling, visual aids, and group activities, students will connect personally to the history and consider the sacrifices made.

Curriculum Links

Social Sciences Learning Area (Years 3-4, Phase 2)

Achievement Objectives:

Understand how the past is important to people (Social Sciences Level 2)
Understand how people’s participation in significant events in the past has affected others (New Zealand Curriculum Progress Outcome for Years 3-4)
Explore stories of individuals and groups in the past and present

Key Competencies Addressed

Thinking – Students use creative and critical thinking to understand historical events.
Using Language, Symbols, and Texts – Enable students to engage with historical stories using oral, visual, and written texts.
Relating to Others – Develop empathy by considering the experiences of soldiers and families.
Managing Self – Encourage focus and participation in group activities.
Participating and Contributing – Group work sharing ideas and perspectives on war stories.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Explain simple facts about World War I including when it happened and New Zealand’s involvement.
Identify key events or aspects linked to ANZAC soldiers' experiences.
Describe ways a war can affect both soldiers and their families at home.
Show empathy and respect for the sacrifices made by people during WWI.

Resources Needed

Map of the world highlighting New Zealand and Europe (1914-1918)
Illustrated timeline poster of WWI key events
A simplified storybook or short video clip about ANZAC soldiers in WWI
Photos or illustrations showing soldiers, families, and wartime life in NZ
Chart paper and markers
Student worksheet with drawing and sentence prompts
Paper poppies or symbols for reflection

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Connect Prior Learning (5 minutes)

Begin with a brief reminder about the previous lesson (Lesson 1: introduction to ANZAC stories).
Show students NZ on the world map and explain the concept of World War I: “A big war that happened a long time ago, where many countries, including New Zealand, were involved.”
Prompt discussion: "What do you already know about soldiers or war?"

2. Story & Visual Exploration (10 minutes)

Read aloud or show a short video about an ANZAC soldier’s story, focusing on simple key events (e.g., departure from New Zealand, battle experiences, life at the front lines).
Use the timeline poster to underline when WWI happened and highlight NZ’s involvement.
Show photos/illustrations of soldiers and families waiting at home to help students visualise the impact.

3. Guided Group Discussion (10 minutes)

Discuss with students how the war might have made soldiers feel and how their families were affected.
Use guiding questions:
- “How do you think the soldiers felt when they left their homes?”
- “What might families back home have worried about?”
- “Why do you think it is important to remember these stories?”
Write key student responses on chart paper to create a shared understanding.

4. Creative Activity: Empathy Drawing and Writing (15 minutes)

Hand out worksheets that include space for drawing and simple sentence starters, e.g.:
- “I think the soldier feels…”
- “At home, my family might feel…”
Students draw what they think soldiers and families experienced and complete the sentences using teacher support as needed.
Encourage sharing the drawings briefly with a partner or small group to discuss feelings and ideas.

5. Reflection and Closing (5 minutes)

Gather as a class; invite a few volunteers to share their drawings.
Create a "Remembrance Wall" in the classroom with their work and paper poppies to symbolise respect for those who served.
Summarise key points: NZ’s involvement, sacrifice, remembering and respecting the past.
End with a quiet moment of reflection, inviting students to think about bravery and kindness.

Assessment

Formative: Observe students during discussions for understanding of basic WWI facts and emotional responses.
Creative Drawings & Sentences: Assess students' ability to express empathy and understanding of impact through their drawings and written sentences.
Participation: Monitor contributions in group sharing and reflections to gauge engagement with the values of respect and remembrance.

Teacher Notes and Differentiation

Use simple language; avoid complex military terms but maintain accuracy.
Provide sentence starters and visual aids for students needing literacy support.
For students needing extension, encourage connections with other ANZAC stories or ask them to think about why remembrance is important today.
Manage sensitivities around war topics with care, focusing on respect and human stories rather than violence.

Alignment with New Zealand Curriculum Refresh Principles

High Expectations: Scaffolded learning with engaging activities tailored to Year 3-4 cognitive levels.
Cultural Responsiveness: Recognising the ANZAC tradition as significant to NZ heritage and incorporating Māori perspectives on sacrifice and community where possible.
Key Competencies Integration: The lesson weaves thinking, using language, and relating with others through active learning and emotional connection.
Focus on Social Sciences Progress Outcomes: Emphasises understanding people’s participation in the past and its importance today.

This lesson plan blends content knowledge with empathetic engagement, ensuring students grasp the significance of WWI in New Zealand history while developing critical key competencies as outlined in the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for social sciences in Years 3-4 .

Teaching Instructions