Instructional Series
Welcome to the English medium literacy instructional series teaching and learning resources for years 1 to 8.
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- Social Sciences
- English
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Articles
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Search results
20 items - Showing 1 - 10
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First World War Mascots
by Philippa Werry
Many students will be familiar with the use of mascots by sports teams, but they may be surprised to learn that mascots have also been used in wars. This text describes mascots used by New Zealand soldiers in the First World War. Students may have some awareness of the First World War through Anzac Day commemorations and from events to mark its centenary in 2014.
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The Children’s War
by Jock Phillips
After a general introduction and overview of the First World War, the article describes how the New Zealand government used a variety
of methods to encourage children to support the war effort. One method was to use the School Journal to give children positive stories
(avoiding the harsher realities) and articles about exemplary “Empire heroes”. -
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Silas the Stretcher-bearer
by Rachel Stedman
This article conveys the experiences of Silas, who was a stretcher-bearer during the First World War. Silas was a conscientious objector who decided to join non-combatant service upon being drafted.
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In the End
by Mal Peet
“In the End” is a fictional recount of the Martha Mine strike, told by a soldier in the First World War who was living in Waihī at the time of the strike. This complex layering will be challenging for some students, but the rich poetic language and colourful expression should be engaging for many readers
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His Own War – The Story of Archibald Baxter
by David Grant
“His Own War” is a biography of Archie Baxter, a New Zealander who refused to join up and fight in the First World War. His objection to fighting was based on strongly held convictions, and he paid dearly for them.
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Das Piano
by Bernard Beckett
This dark, humorous narrative is set during the First World War and, through exaggeration, shows the effects of extreme patriotism that can appear in wartime. Thomas, the narrator, hates Mrs Biggs, his teacher. He also hates singing. When Mrs Biggs finds him playing Catch the German, she punishes him by making him sing in front of the mayor. Thomas’s desperate attempt to avoid singing has unexpected results when Mrs Biggs and the mayor decide to smash the piano – because it was made in Germany.
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Te Hokowhitu-a-Tū: The Māori Pioneer Battalion
by Monty Soutar
This article tells the story of Māori and the First World War and of the huge contribution made by the pioneer Māori Battalion. The topic will be unfamiliar for many students, but the themed content in the surrounding items will provide support.
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