Annie’s War, written by Lucy Bracey and illustrated by Gregory Mackay, tells the story of one Boroondara family’s wartime experience and is based on real life letters between Annie Slade and her father, Edward Slade.
It aims to give young people in our community a deeper understanding of the lasting impact World War I had on Boroondara.
Education resource
This resource has been developed to be used in a classroom setting in conjunction with Annie’s War to help students think about the impacts of wartime on all members of the community.
‘Annie’s War’ and the complementary resource is aimed at grade 3 to 6. It has direct connection to the Victorian Curriculum F - 10: Levels 3 and 4 (VCHHK076).
There are three components to this activity which involve:
- Critical thinking
- Creative writing, and
- Visual arts.
For more information on ‘Annie’s War’ and other educational resources and activities, please email [email protected] or phone (03) 9278 4770.
The publication of ‘Annie’s War’ was funded under the Commonwealth Government’s Armistice Centenary Grants Program. The Commonwealth has not participated in the research, production of exercised editorial control over the activity or its contents. The views expressed and conclusions reached herein do not necessarily represent those of the Commonwealth, which expressly disclaims any responsibility for the content or accuracy of the Activity.
Activity 1: Critical thinking
In the story Annie's War, we learn that wars affect everybody, not just the soldiers who fight overseas. Annie’s life and community changed during World War I in many ways. Annie and her father wrote letters to each other while he was away during the war, telling each other what life was like.
We commemorate Anzac Day each year on 25 April as a way of remembering all those Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peace-keeping operations. We remember the sacrifices made by these men and women who served in the army, air force, navy, and hospitals.
The first Anzac Day was held on 25 April 1916 – one year after the Australian and New Zealand forces landed on the beach at Gallipoli. Anzac Day began as a day in memory of that battle, but it has since grown to be a day of reflection and remembrance for all those people who have fought and served during wartime.
- How did this book make you feel about war?
- Anne’s life was changed by the war in many ways. What are some things that change for Annie because of the war?
- Talk to your parent or guardian about this book and ask them what they think about war. Has anyone in your family been to war? If yes, who and where did they go?
- What do you think about Anzac Day?
Activity 2: Writing
Write a letter to someone in your family telling them what you learnt about World War I. Some things you could write about are:
- New words that you learnt from the book (remember to check the glossary at the back of the book).
- How you would feel if someone in your family went to war. Would you feel scared, happy sad? Write down how this would make you feel in your letter.
- Annie learnt how to knit socks for the soldiers during World War I. Write down or draw a picture in your letter of what you would send to soldiers overseas.
- What would you miss most if you were away from your friends and family?
Send your letter
Create your own envelope using the provided template, scissors and glue. Address it to the person you wrote your letter to, and make sure to draw or attach a stamp in the top right-hand corner.
Activity 3: Drawing
There are lots of drawings and some real photographs in this book. Annie and her family are all based on real people.
There is a photograph of Annie and her sisters on page 37 and a photograph of Annie’s dad, Edward, on page 54. Compare these photographs with the drawings of Annie and Edward.
Activity
Draw a picture of the person you wrote your letter to. Remember to write their name underneath your drawing.