A Comprehensive ANZAC Day Unit Study

Australians and New Zealanders observe ANZAC Day each year on April 25th. This is a time to for all Aussies and Kiwis to take a moment to reflect, and remember the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs)

It is an opportunity to pay our respects to the ANZACs who served at Gallipoli in World War I, as well as all those who have followed in their footsteps, defending our nations.

As homeschooling families, we have the opportunity to explore this important day in a meaningful and engaging way with our children. This unit study provides a wealth of resources, hands-on activities, and book recommendations to help your family understand the historical context, traditions, and lasting significance of ANZAC Day.

ANZAC Day Online Resources

To begin your learning journey, explore these valuable online resources, thankfully there are many available:

🔴 RSL Education has a variety of printable games and activities to engage with. Activities such as, trivia, bingo, scrabble & crosswords.

🔵 What is ANZAC Day, this video by Behind The News helps children understand what and why we are acknowledging this day.

Source: Behind The News

🔴 Find practical and engaging activity ideas that can be easily adapted for the homeschool setting at the ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee. Activities such as - examining the impact of war on Australian culture and women in the defence force.

🔵 Utilise this downloadable lesson plan for a ready-to-use structure that you can customise to suit your needs. The Smith Family has provided a pdf that contains a variety of activities and lessons.

🔴 Use ANZAC Day themed picture books to help children understand the significance of this day. My Grandad Marches on ANZAC Day provides an opportunity to explore this further and to engage in a variety of printable, hands on activities. 

🔵 Understand the development and meaning of the ANZAC legend. This lesson is aimed at Year 3 students but can be adapted for younger and older children.

🔴 Understand the contemporary significance of ANZAC Day and the symbolism behind its traditions, such as the dawn service and the wearing of poppies with the resources provided by the ANZAC portal.

🔵 Access a treasure trove of historical accounts, images, videos, and activity ideas from the Australian War Memorial.

Source: Behind The News

🔴 Dive deeper into the history of ANZAC Day with another Behind The News video. I recommend this one for more mature audiences.

🔵 Explore the core values and characteristics associated with the ANZACs, such as courage and mateship with resources from the RSL.

🔴 Find out what the Last Post is and why it is played on ANZAC Day.

🔵 Help older children understand the Gallipoli story with this five minute video clip.

🔴 Explore the meaning and symbolism behind the poignant poem, In Flanders Fields. Conduct a character analysis on the author, John McCrae. this mini research unit is perfect for teens.

Bringing History to Life: Hands-On ANZAC Day Activities

Get your kids involved with creative hands-on activities to help bring the spirit of ANZAC Day alive. Here are a few to get you started:

For Younger Children (Preschool - Lower Primary):

• Poppy Craft: Create simple poppies as a visual symbol of remembrance.
• ANZAC Biscuits: Bake and discuss the historical significance of these treats.
• Simple Wreath Making: Construct a basic wreath to understand the act of commemoration.
• Drawing and Colouring: Use art to express understanding and visualise ANZAC themes. This unit can help. 

For Older Children (Upper Primary - Lower High School):

• Creating a Diorama: Visually represent a scene from ANZAC history through a diorama.
• Writing Letters of Appreciation: Foster empathy by writing to current or past service members.
• Research and Presentation: Develop research and communication skills by presenting on a specific ANZAC topic.
• Mapping Gallipoli: Enhance geographical awareness by locating and studying the terrain of Gallipoli.
• Role-Playing a News Report: Encourage historical perspective-taking by creating a mock news report and presenting it.
• Complete an ANZAC Day themed Wordsearch: Build related vocabulary. Available for free inside our Community Group

For High School Students:

• Analysing Primary Sources: Develop critical thinking by examining firsthand accounts from ANZAC soldiers.
• Creating a Documentary Snippet: Integrate research and digital media skills by producing a short documentary.
• Debating the Significance of ANZAC Day: Encourage critical discussion about the evolving meaning of the day.
• Exploring War Poetry and Art: Connect historical events with artistic expression and emotional responses. This research unit is perfect. 

Dive Into Literature: Book Recommendations

Enrich your unit study with these age-appropriate book recommendations, many of which you will find at your local library::

For Younger Children (Picture Books):

• Simpson and His Donkey  by Mark Greenwood 
• Lest We Forget  by Kerry Brown  
• ANZAC Ted  by Belinda Landsberry
• My Grandad Marches on ANZAC Day by Catriona Hoy
• Why Are They Marching Daddy? ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee

 

For Older Children (Fiction and Non-Fiction):

• A Day To Remember  by Jackie French
• Archie's War  by Marcia Williams
• Alfred’s War by Rachel Bin Sallah
• ANZAC Sons by Allison Marlow Patterson
• The Great Gallipoli Escape by Jackie French

For High School Students (Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction):

• The Gallipoli Diary of Sergeant Lawrence by Sir Ronald East
• Gallipoli  by Les Carlyon
• Soldier Boy by Anthony Hill
• A Rose For The ANZAC Boys by Jackie French

   

Creating A Meaningful ANZAC Day Unit Study

Explore the online resources, engage in the hands-on activities that resonate, and delve into the recommended books. Facilitate discussions about the historical events, the sacrifices made, and the enduring qualities of the ANZAC spirit.

Remember that ANZAC Day is not just about remembering the past; it's also about understanding the values that continue to shape our national identity. By learning together, we can help our children develop a deeper appreciation for the service and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our countries.

I hope this guide helps you to create a meaningful and informative ANZAC Day unit study for your family.

 

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