Lesson Plan: Ned Kelly and the Green Sash
Subject: English
Grade: 4
Duration: 30 minutes
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the historical context of Ned Kelly and his significance in Australian history.
- Describe the symbolism of the green sash in relation to Ned Kelly.
- Engage in critical thinking to discuss themes of heroism and rebellion.
Materials Needed
- Picture books or excerpts about Ned Kelly
- Images of Ned Kelly and the green sash
- Chart paper and markers
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with discussion questions
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Hook: Start with a brief introduction to Ned Kelly. Show an image of him in his famous armour and ask students what they know about him.
- Discussion: Lead a short class discussion on who Ned Kelly was and why he is an important figure in Australian history. Use guiding questions like:
- What do you think of when you hear his name?
- Do you think he was a hero or a villain?
Direct Instruction (10 minutes)
- Background Information: Provide a brief overview of Ned Kelly's life, including his early years, his family, and the events leading up to his infamous outlaw status. Use the whiteboard to outline key events.
- Introduce the Green Sash: Explain the significance of the green sash. Mention that it was a symbol of his mother’s love and represents the struggles faced by the Kelly family.
- Visuals: Show images of the green sash and talk about its representation in the legend of Ned Kelly. Discuss how it conveys themes of loyalty, rebellion, and personal sacrifice.
Guided Practice (10 minutes)
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Group Activity: Divide the students into small groups. Provide each group with a handout containing discussion questions. Questions might include:
- How do you think the green sash made Ned feel?
- Can you think of other symbols in stories that represent something important?
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Group Discussion: Encourage each group to discuss the questions. Walk around to listen and guide conversations as needed.
Independent Practice (5 minutes)
- Writing Activity: Each student will write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) about what they think the green sash symbolises for Ned Kelly. Prompt them to include their own opinion—do they see him as a hero or not?
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Share Responses: Invite a few students to share their paragraphs with the class.
- Wrap Up: Summarise the key points of the lesson. Reinforce the idea that symbols, like the green sash, can carry deep meanings and help us understand characters in stories.
Assessment
- Observe group discussion participation and engagement.
- Review students’ written paragraphs for understanding of the symbolism and themes discussed in class.
Extension Activity (Optional)
Encourage students to create a visual representation of the green sash, illustrating what it means to them and its importance in the context of Ned Kelly's story.
Additional Resources
- Excerpts from children's biographies on Ned Kelly
- Online resources like videos or documentaries about Australian history and Ned Kelly
Reflection
[This space can be used for the teacher’s comments on the lesson's effectiveness and areas for improvement.]
This lesson plan is designed to not only educate students about a significant historical figure but also to engage them in critical and creative thinking through discussion and writing.