Presenting Decoration Ideas

Overview

This 30-minute lesson is the final session in the “Decorate with Knowledge” unit for Year 5 students. It focuses on developing spoken language skills by having pupils present their decoration plans using visuals. The lesson also emphasises peer feedback, encouraging pupils to actively listen and respond constructively. This supports the National Curriculum for England’s objectives in English, particularly in Spoken Language and Writing, for Year 5.

National Curriculum Links

Spoken Language (Year 5):

Listen and respond appropriately to adults and peers.
Give well-structured descriptions, explanations, and narratives for different purposes, including expressing feelings and ideas clearly.
Use spoken language to develop understanding through speculating, hypothesising, imagining, and exploring ideas.

Writing (Year 5):

Plan their writing by discussing and recording ideas (linked here through the presentations).
Consider how authors develop characters and settings (linked via interpreting and justifying decoration choices).

Interpersonal skills:

Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations, and debates.
Provide and receive constructive feedback to improve speaking and listening skills.

Learning Objectives

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

Confidently present their decoration plans to the class, using illustrations and images to support their points.
Explain the reasons for their decoration choices, including materials, colours, and themes.
Listen attentively to peers and provide thoughtful, kind, and constructive feedback.
Demonstrate improved clarity, tone, and organisation in spoken language.

Resources Needed

Students’ prepared decoration plans with illustrations/images (from previous lessons)
Presentation checklist (prompt sheet for students)
Sticky notes for peer feedback
Visual timer to manage presentation time
Whiteboard and markers
Space arranged for presentations (circle or semi-circle seating)

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Success Criteria (5 minutes)

Gather students and revisit the purpose of the unit: to creatively design decoration plans informed by their knowledge.
Share today’s goal: to confidently present our decoration ideas and learn by giving and receiving helpful feedback.
Introduce the presentation checklist on the board:
- Speak clearly and loudly enough
- Explain your choices (why certain colours or materials)
- Use your pictures to help explain your idea
- Listen carefully to others
- Give kind and helpful feedback

Curriculum Focus: Spoken Language - give structured explanations and listen/respond appropriately.

2. Student Presentations (15 minutes)

Each student presents their decoration plan (allow 2 minutes per child, time managed by the visual timer).
Encourage use of illustrations and images as visual aids during the talk.
Teacher models a short presentation before students start to demystify the process and showcase confident body language, vocabulary, and tone.

Teacher Role:

Prompt with questions if students are stuck (e.g., “Can you tell us why you picked that colour?”)
Note positive aspects and areas to work on for each student to share later.

3. Peer Feedback Activity (7 minutes)

After all presentations, each student will:
- Write one positive comment and one constructive suggestion on sticky notes about a peer’s presentation.
- Share these aloud in pairs or small groups, promoting a culture of supportive critique.

Guidance: Use sentence starters, for example:

“I liked how you explained…”
“Maybe next time, you could speak a little slower so everyone can follow.”

Curriculum Focus: Spoken Language - participate actively in conversations and discussions, offering feedback.

4. Reflection and Wrap-up (3 minutes)

Brief whole-class discussion: What went well in today’s presentations? What did they find challenging?
Emphasise the importance of respectful listening and sharing ideas confidently.
Encourage students to consider how these speaking and listening skills will help them in other subjects and everyday life.

Assessment

Formative: Teacher observations during presentations and peer feedback sessions, focusing on clarity, organisation of ideas, and listening skills.
Peer assessment: Review of feedback given by students on sticky notes to assess understanding of constructive criticism.
Self-assessment: Quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down on confidence after presentations.

Extension Ideas (Optional)

Invite students to create a short written summary of one peer’s decoration plan, practising note-taking and summarising skills.
Use audio or video recording for students to self-review their presentations and identify areas for improvement.

Differentiation

Support: Provide scaffolded sentence prompts for speaking and feedback for students who need help organising their ideas verbally.
Challenge: Encourage more confident speakers to include wider vocabulary or suggest alternative enhancements to their decoration plans.

Final Notes

This lesson provides a perfect blend of creativity, communication, and critical thinking, fulfilling multiple strands of the National Curriculum. By actively presenting and listening, students build essential life and academic skills, setting a strong foundation for future collaborative projects.

Teaching Instructions