24 June - 30 June

EXPLORE / TŪHURA learning intentions:

• We are ANALYSING the impact of war on New Zealand society, focusing on the changing roles of women.
• We are RESEARCHING and IDENTIFYING the different contributions of NZ women during wartime.
• We are EVALUATING the significance of these contributions to the war effort.
• We are COMPARING and CONTRASTING the experiences of women on the home front and in active service.

New Zealand Women in War

Learning Objectives

• Students will analyze the impact of war on New Zealand society, focusing on the changing roles of women.

• Students will research and identify the different contributions of NZ women during wartime.

• Students will evaluate the significance of these contributions to the war effort.

• Students will compare and contrast the experiences of women on the home front and in active service.

• Students will develop research and critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning.

Lesson 1: Introduction: Beyond the Trenches

• Do Now: Brainstorm what students know about the role of women in war.

• Introduction: Discuss the traditional focus on soldiers in wartime narratives.

• Shifting the Focus: Introduce the concept of the "home front" and the vital contributions of women during wartime.

• Source Analysis: Analyze primary and secondary sources (e.g., photos, diary entries, news articles) depicting the experiences of NZ women in WWI or WWII.

• Questions to Consider: What jobs did women take on? How did the war impact their daily lives? What evidence suggests their contributions were significant?

• Exit Ticket: Briefly write about one way the war might have changed the lives of women in New Zealand.

Lesson 2: Roles on the Home Front

• Do Now: Briefly review the concept of the home front and its importance during wartime.

• Research Groups: Divide students into groups and assign each group a specific role NZ women played on the home front during WWI or WWII (e.g., nurses, factory workers, farmers).

• Group Research: Students research their assigned role using provided resources (books, websites, documentaries). They will focus on the responsibilities, challenges, and impact of these women's contributions.

• Group Presentations: Each group presents their findings to the class, highlighting key points and using visuals if available.

Lesson 3: Beyond the Home Front

• Do Now: Briefly review the different roles women played on the home front.

• Expanding the Narrative: Discuss the lesser-known stories of NZ women who served overseas in various capacities (e.g., nurses, drivers, entertainers).

• Case Studies: Present case studies of individual NZ women who served overseas during wartime. Students analyze primary sources (letters, diaries) to understand their experiences and motivations.

• Class Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion about the challenges and contributions of these women. How did their experiences differ from those on the home front?

Lesson 4: Legacy and Significance

• Do Now: Briefly review the different roles NZ women played during wartime.

• Long-Term Impact: Discuss the long-term impact of the war on NZ society, particularly regarding women's rights and opportunities. How did the war contribute to social change?

• Commemoration: Explore memorials and commemorative events that acknowledge the contributions of NZ women in war.

• Creative Project: Students choose a creative format (e.g., poem, poster, short video) to represent the significance of NZ women's wartime contributions.

• Gallery Walk: Students share their creative projects in a gallery walk format, allowing for peer feedback and appreciation.