Activity 01
World Needs Mapping: Pinpointing Help
Provide a large world map and sticky notes. In small groups, students research two countries facing needs like drought or floods using prepared fact sheets, then mark locations and reasons. Groups share findings in a class gallery walk, noting Australian aid examples.
Explain why some people in the world might need help with things like food or shelter.
Facilitation TipDuring World Needs Mapping, provide large world maps and sticky notes so students physically place needs in context rather than just listening to a list.
What to look forPose the question: 'Imagine a family in a country far away has lost their home due to a flood. What are two reasons they might need help, and what are two ways people in Australia could offer that help?' Encourage students to use vocabulary like 'natural disaster' and 'humanitarian aid'.
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Activity 02
Empathy Role-Play: Switching Perspectives
Pairs draw scenario cards, such as 'fleeing a flood' or 'lacking clean water.' One acts the role for 3 minutes while the partner responds with help ideas; switch roles. Debrief as a class on feelings and solutions.
Discuss simple ways individuals and groups in Australia can help people in other countries.
Facilitation TipUse Empathy Role-Play to have pairs switch roles quickly, keeping scenarios short to maintain focus on perspective-taking rather than performance.
What to look forProvide students with a worksheet featuring images depicting different global needs (e.g., lack of clean water, damaged housing, food shortage). Ask them to write one sentence for each image explaining why the people might need help and one sentence describing a possible Australian contribution.
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Activity 03
Mini Fundraiser Design: Class Action Plan
As a whole class, brainstorm a school event like a 'wear blue for water' day. Vote on one idea, assign roles for posters and collection jars, and calculate potential impact using charity websites.
Assess the importance of showing kindness and empathy to people everywhere.
Facilitation TipFor Mini Fundraiser Design, assign roles like 'promotion manager' or 'budget tracker' so every student contributes to the plan.
What to look forOn a small card, ask students to write: 'One thing I learned about why people need help around the world is...' and 'One way Australians can show kindness to people everywhere is...'
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Activity 04
Aid Pack Assembly: Hands-On Giving
In small groups, students sort and pack sample hygiene kits from donated items. Discuss choices, then write labels explaining the contents' value. Display packs to simulate sending to partners like Save the Children.
Explain why some people in the world might need help with things like food or shelter.
Facilitation TipIn Aid Pack Assembly, assign small groups to research one item’s purpose, connecting the physical object to real-world needs.
What to look forPose the question: 'Imagine a family in a country far away has lost their home due to a flood. What are two reasons they might need help, and what are two ways people in Australia could offer that help?' Encourage students to use vocabulary like 'natural disaster' and 'humanitarian aid'.
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Generate Complete Lesson→A few notes on teaching this unit
Teachers should frame global needs as shared human experiences rather than distant problems, using stories and images to build emotional connection. Avoid overwhelming students with statistics; instead, use role-play and simulations to make data meaningful. Research on child development shows that concrete, action-oriented learning fosters empathy and civic identity, so prioritize tasks where students see their potential impact.
Students will explain why communities around the world need support, identify how Australians respond, and plan a collaborative action. They will use accurate vocabulary, work respectfully with peers, and reflect on their role as global citizens. Success looks like thoughtful discussions, creative problem-solving, and active participation in aid simulations.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
During Empathy Role-Play, some students may assume people in need reject help out of pride.
Use the role-play cards to guide students to ask questions like 'What kind of help would you accept?' after each scenario, helping them discover that communities often welcome assistance when it is respectful.
During Mini Fundraiser Design, students might believe only adults can create change.
Ask groups to calculate totals from their sample donations (e.g., 30 students donating $1 = $30) and research how charities match small donations, showing collective power.
During World Needs Mapping, students may think problems are too far away to matter.
After mapping, ask each student to draw a line connecting their home city to one affected area, then discuss how climate or trade connects places, making issues feel immediate.
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