My Grandpa Marches on Anzac Day: Recognizing Anzac Day is an important part of my program each year and needs to be planned and delivered to young children with sensitivity. Using picture story books is the most appropriate way to encourage discussion.
This is a wonderful picture story book which I use every year. The wonderful illustrations inspire our display. This year two children drew a large portrait of an Anzac soldier with other students painting. We made poppies in our classroom with my student’s Grandparents or special friend who visited school last week. My students then placed their poppies with their special adult onto our display.
One Minute’s Silence: This picture story book is new to me. I decided to use this book as a mentor text for a piece of writing. The children were given the heading ‘In one minute’s silence … I’ve chosen a few to share here but each student’s response was very special!
These are rough drafts. My students are responsible for correcting their writing. If required, I will model back their whole piece of writing. Yes, it takes time, but the author needs to have control and ownership at all times.
Cheers Nina
Nina Davis: Teaching & Learning in Australia 
Hi Nina,
Discovered your blog whilst looking for ANAZC activities. Thought this was a great idea so am using it with my students. They were hooked by the book and were very curious when I showed them the pictures of your students’ work. The final paragraphs will be placed onto various backgrounds of ANZAC silhouettes and art that you source through the various government agency websites. These will then be part of a school display that is being prepared for our school’s ‘Dawn’ Service (We start school earlier and begin with the service).
Thank you,
Mel K
Hi Melanie, I haven’t written in a while, but I have 35 drafts not published. So pleased you are using such a special book. Cheers Nina