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During Term 1 the music teacher, and myself started to discuss the possibility of a World Cup unit as an integrated activity. The other specialists were quick to jump on board with the idea. We decided that we would integrate with Level 3 and the Term 2 topic, Cultural Diversity. The focus of this unit is on immigration and Soccer is considered the “world game”. The six Level 3 classes randomly selected one of six countries (India, Vietnam, England, South Africa, China and Italy) as their class team. Each Specialist teacher contributed to the development of the teams and students’ knowledge of the country they were representing so that at the end of the term a World Cup Tournament and Expo could be held to celebrate and share the learning that occurred over the term.
The rules and skills needed to play soccer were taught during PE sessions. In Music, students learnt the songs of the World Cup and their chosen country’s national anthem. In the Learning Resource Centre each class learnt how to research their country and prepare relevant and valid information for presentation during the expo. Students worked in groups to create displays which included factual posters, quiz games and interactive activities.
Art sessions were dedicated to the creation of a team mascot. The project began with a presentation of all Past World Cup mascots. We discussed each mascot’s features using Art Elements and Principles and why each mascot was effective or how it could be improved. We brainstormed key features of the country that might be used to design mascots. Students considered flora and fauna, food, rituals/ceremonies, climate, colours and uniforms as elements they could incorporate into their design.
The first challenge was to create a large and simple A4 mascot drawing. Students traced their drawing through to scrap paper. They used this pattern to cut out two felt shapes for the front and back for their soft toy.
After they completed a sample stitch, they attached different felt parts to their mascot. Because some details were difficult to sew on, some students chose to use Supertac or permanent markers. Blanket stitch was used to attach the front and back together and stuffing was added before it was sewn up.
The classes voted and chose one mascot to represent their team.
The final celebration was organised, invitations were sent home to families welcoming them to watch the events and visit the expo.
Several Year 4 students ran the Opening Ceremony. After each country’s national anthem they introduced each team in Italian and then translated into English. The expo followed and students from other levels visited the displays, which included the mascots and participated in the games and activities the students had prepared.
A round robin tournament was held where students competed against all teams to decide who would play in the finals. Students showed excellent sportsmanship and all students were proud of their achievements on the day.
The bilingual Closing Ceremony included presentation of awards and acknowledgments to everyone who made the project possible. Celebrating the end of the project through the Tournament and Expo allowed for students, parents and staff to share in the learning that is possible through collaboration.
Deirdre Zabel
Visual Art Teacher
Canterbury Primary School
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