Resource GuideHistory
I have to learn about the past? Why do I need to do that? Well, our history lessons are not just lists of dates and facts with the aim of children being able to recite them back. Whilst this is undoubtedly necessary for our history lessons, there is so much more to them. We have developed History units that encourage children to become historians; they focus not only on giving facts, but they develop children’s skills to analyse, question and consider what they learn. We want children to explore the past and unlock a passion for wanting to really understand History. Don’t take our word for it, let the children explore History with you and see for yourself!
Unit Plans
Our Unit Plans provide an overview of a complete unit. It links directly to the National Curriculum and explains how it delves deeper into substantive knowledge (the facts we want children to know) and disciplinary knowledge (the historical skills we want them to develop). There are six lessons outlined in each unit. Each lesson is led by an enquiry question, then there is a focus area of substantive knowledge that outlines the new knowledge they will learn during the lesson. We then have some disciplinary questions that focus on the specific skills children will develop. Also included is an additional SEND activity. This is always a discussion topic that relates to children’s own experiences or modern life. This gives children the opportunity to relate to the content of the lesson by looking at it through a present-day lens.
Teaching PowerPoints
Our PowerPoints have been developed to teach children facts and give them the opportunity to explore a little deeper and think like a historian. We begin with a ‘hook’ to engage the children in the lesson and get them asking and answering historical questions from the start. We then cover all the good stuff which answers the enquiry question, giving details and facts that are important to the unit. Then the exciting part comes: children are given the opportunity to think like a historian. They will be presented with some information but... Is it accurate? Does it tell the full story? Is there more we need to draw an accurate conclusion? Is it a trustworthy source? Through this type of thinking, children will begin to become a true historian, not just a fact-filled, reciting robot.
Worksheets
There is a worksheet for every lesson in a unit. The worksheets support an area of substantive or disciplinary knowledge from the lesson. The activities have been designed in a way to suit all children’s needs in the classroom. So, with just one worksheet, children may be found labelling a picture all the way through to writing detailed descriptions supported by their own research. Don’t forget there is also a suggested discussion on the Unit Plan to support those children who cannot access the worksheet. In every unit there is one lesson where the supporting worksheet is a written activity, designed to encourage cross-curricular writing.