| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | English |
| What topic | Australian colonisation 1750 - 1810 |
| What length (min) | 45 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 4 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | Victorian Curriculum, Australia |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 8 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
English
Australian Colonisation 1750 - 1810
Year 4
20
45 minutes
This lesson plan aligns with the Victorian Curriculum, Australia - specifically focusing on Historical Knowledge and Understanding, and Personal and Social Capability.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 | Begin with an introduction to the topic, capturing students' interests and prior knowledge about colonisation. |
| 2 | Key Events Overview | 10 | Provide a brief presentation on the key events and figures in Australian colonisation. Use visuals as aids. |
| 3 | Group Activity | 15 | Divide students into small groups (4-5 students each) to discuss assigned sections. Provide printed materials for reference. Ensure each group notes key points. |
| 4 | Printable Card Activity | 5 | Distribute printable cards for students to fill out with information gathered during group discussions. Specify what to include on the cards. |
| 5 | Collective Reflection/Checking | 5 | Collect or randomly check students' cards to review the information they've filled in, providing feedback. |
| 6 | Conclusion and Homework Assignment | 5 | Summarise the lesson and explain the homework task related to today's topic. Homework will be checked for understanding but not presented in front of the class. |
Students will write a short reflective piece (1 paragraph) on what they learned about Australian colonisation and its impact, to be submitted in the next class.
The teacher will monitor group discussions and review the completed cards to assess understanding of the topic without requiring students to present their findings in front of the class.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about a very important topic: Australian Colonisation from 1750 to 1810. Can anyone tell me what they already know about colonisation in Australia? [Pause for responses] That’s great! We will explore the key events and figures involved and discuss what this meant for Australia and its people. Let’s get started!"
"Now, I’m going to share some key events and figures that played a significant role in the colonisation of Australia. [Use projector to show visuals as you explain] We’ll talk about the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, important explorers, and how life changed for Indigenous Australians. Pay close attention and take notes; you’ll be using this information shortly. [Present information for 10 minutes] Any questions so far? [Pause for questions] Fantastic, let’s move on to the next activity!"
"Alright, class! It's time for us to break into groups. I’ll divide you into groups of four or five. Each group will receive a specific section to discuss. You will have 15 minutes to read and discuss the information provided. As you talk, please make sure to note down the key points in your discussions. [Provide printed materials to each group] Ready? Go ahead and start discussing!"
[Circulate among the groups, providing support and guidance as needed]
"Time’s up, everyone! Now, let’s gather back together. Each group will now receive a set of printable cards. On these cards, I want you to fill in the key points you discussed about colonisation. Please include: the event or figure’s name, their significance, and how it impacted Australia and its people. You’ll have 5 minutes to complete this activity. Off you go!"
"Great work, everyone! Now let’s take a moment to reflect on your cards. I’ll be looking at a few randomly to check your understanding of the topic. [Collect or circulate to check cards] As I check, think about what you learned and how you might explain it to someone else."
"Excellent job today, class! Let’s recap what we learned about the colonisation of Australia and the implications it had on the Indigenous people and the environment. For your homework, I’d like you to write a short reflective piece—just one paragraph—on what you’ve learned today about colonisation and its impact. Please submit your homework in our next class. Remember, this is just for me to check your understanding, so don’t worry about sharing it in front of the class. Thank you for your participation today, and see you next time!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A classroom setting with students} | - Introduction to the lesson on Australian Colonisation - Prompt for students’ prior knowledge - Overview of key topics for discussion |
| 2 | {Image: A map of Australia with timelines} | - Key Events Overview - The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 - Important figures and explorers - Changes in Indigenous Australian life |
| 3 | {Image: Students discussing in groups} | - Group Activity Instructions - Groups of four or five to discuss specific sections - 15 minutes to read and share key points |
| 4 | {Image: Printable cards and markers} | - Printable Card Activity - Fill in key points about colonisation - Include name, significance, and impact on Australia |
| 5 | {Image: Teacher reviewing student work} | - Collective Reflection/Checking process - Review of cards for understanding - Importance of reflecting on learning |
| 6 | {Image: Indigenous Australian culture} | - Review and conclusion of key topics - Discussion of colonisation’s impact on Indigenous Australians - Importance of environmental changes |
| 7 | {Image: Student writing at a desk} | - Homework Assignment - Write a reflective paragraph on what you've learned - Emphasis on understanding, not sharing in class |
| 8 | {Image: Thank you note or farewell gesture} | - Conclusion and thank you for participation - Encouragement for thoughtful reflection on the lesson |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What year did the First Fleet arrive in Australia? | |
| Name one significant explorer involved in the colonisation of Australia. | |
| How did the arrival of European settlers impact Indigenous Australians? | |
| What was the primary purpose of the First Fleet's journey to Australia? | |
| List one change in lifestyle for Indigenous Australians as a result of colonisation. | |
| Can you explain the significance of the term 'terra nullius' in relation to Australian colonisation? | |
| What was one key reason for British interest in colonising Australia? | |
| How did the environment in Australia influence the lives of both Indigenous and colonial settlers? | |
| Describe the role of convicts in the early years of Australian colonisation. | |
| What impact did colonisation have on traditional Indigenous land use practices? |
What were some of the key motivations behind the British decision to colonise Australia in 1788, and how might these have differed from the perspectives of Indigenous Australians?
Can you name one significant figure from the First Fleet and explain their role in the early days of Australian colonisation?
In what ways did the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 change the lives of Indigenous Australians?
How do you think the events that occurred from 1750 to 1810 have shaped Australia’s identity today?
If you could ask a member of the First Fleet one question about their experience, what would it be and why?