Exploring Different Transport

Age group: Year 1

Duration: 45 minutes

Class size: 20 pupils

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Curriculum for Excellence Links

Experiences and Outcomes:

• SOC 0-11a: I can use my knowledge of the world to show how things are similar and different, and recognise that some things change over time.
• TCH 0-01a: I can explore and experiment with objects, materials and technologies to develop my ideas and solve problems.
• EXA 0-03a: I can use my voice, musical instruments and body percussion to express my ideas, thoughts and feelings through sound. (linked for engagement with transport sounds)

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Identify different types of transport and their uses
• Create a model of our chosen transport using simple craft materials

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Success Criteria

• I can name at least three different types of transport.
• I can explain one way a type of transport helps people.
• I can construct a simple model of a transport type using a paper plate, card, lollipop sticks and pens.
• I can work cooperatively with others during crafting time.

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Resources

• Picture cards/flashcards of various transport modes (car, bus, bicycle, boat, plane, train)
• Paper plates (one per pupil)
• Cardboard pieces
• Lollipop sticks
• Coloured pens and crayons
• Glue, scissors (safety scissors for children)
• Dyslexia-friendly transport word cards (clear font, pastel background)
• A whiteboard and marker

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Lesson Activities

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage: Begin with a group chat: "Can you tell me how you came to school today?" Draw out answers mentioning different transport modes.
• Show picture cards of transport (car, bus, bike, etc.). Say the names clearly, encouraging the children to repeat. Use dyslexia-friendly word cards to show the words alongside pictures.
• Explain briefly what each type of transport is used for (e.g., bus takes many people, bike is good for exercise).
• Ask pupils to raise their hands for their favourite mode of transport.

2. Class Discussion & Sound Exploration (5 minutes)

• Listen to or imitate sounds related to different transports (car horn, bus engine, plane noise) to engage auditory learners and make learning multisensory.
• Link the sound to the transport picture shown.

3. Craft Activity - Make Your Own Transport Model (25 minutes)

• Pupils choose their favourite mode of transport from the discussion and picture cards.
• Using the paper plate as the body, pupils decorate and build their transport using cardboard pieces for wings, wheels, or sails and lollipop sticks for structure/support as needed.
• Pens and crayons used for colouring and details (windows, doors, wheels).
• Teacher circulates, helping with cutting, glueing and encouraging children’s creativity and problem-solving (linked to TCH 0-01a).

4. Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite pupils to share their transport model with the class and say one fact about it.
• Reinforce vocabulary and listen carefully, offering praise for effort and clear speaking.

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Differentiation

• Support:

  • Provide pre-cut shapes for students who find cutting challenging.
  • Pair less confident pupils with buddies for support during crafting.
  • Use pictorial step-by-step instructions for the craft in a dyslexia-friendly format.

• Extension:

  • Encourage advanced learners to add moving parts to their models (e.g., wheels that spin using split pins).
  • Ask them to think about which transport is best for long journeys versus short journeys, fostering early critical thinking.
  • Challenge them to write a simple sentence about their transport (with support) or label parts of their model.

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Assessment

• Observe pupil participation during discussion and the crafting activity.
• Use questioning to check understanding of transport types and uses.
• Success in making a recognisable transport model matching their choice serves as a practical assessment of comprehension and fine motor skills.

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Additional Notes

• Maintain a calm, supportive environment to encourage risk-taking with creativity.
• Reinforce key vocabulary routinely throughout the session.
• Use positive reinforcement to build confidence especially when children share their models.
• Consider photographing the pupils’ work to create a classroom display titled "Our Amazing Transport Models" to celebrate learning.
• Use simple visual timers during craft time to support time management and focus, helpful for all learners.

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This lesson plan embeds Curriculum for Excellence principles by fostering curiosity about the world, encouraging creativity through technology and design, using expressive arts to link sound and transport, and supporting literacy development in an inclusive, multisensory way.