How can Tudors Kings Queens Scribes & Ferrets help teach KS2 students in an engaging way?
Tudors Kings Queens Scribes & Ferrets can help teach KS2 students about the Tudor era in a way that is both accessible and exciting. The book’s comic-strip format combines colourful illustrations with lively storytelling, making complex historical events and figures easy for children to understand and remember. Research shows that comics are especially effective for visual learners and can help all students, including reluctant readers, to grasp difficult concepts and stay engaged with the material. By presenting history in a visually stimulating and humorous way, the book turns learning into an enjoyable adventure rather than a chore.
Another key strength is the use of storytelling and memorable characters, like Arthur Inkblott and his ferret, Smudge. Storytelling has been shown to unlock children’s imagination, create vivid mental pictures, and make the past feel real and relatable. When students follow characters through historical events, they are more likely to empathise with people from the past and understand the motivations behind their actions. The inclusion of an animal character like Smudge is especially powerful—studies suggest that animal protagonists not only capture children’s attention but also help them develop empathy and social understanding, making lessons more inclusive and memorable.
The book also brings in a wide range of Tudor life, from famous monarchs like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I to the experiences of ordinary people. This broad perspective helps students appreciate both the dramatic events and the everyday realities of the period, encouraging them to think critically about social differences, daily life, and historical change. Activities and discussions inspired by the book can prompt students to ask questions, compare sources, and even role-play different viewpoints, deepening their historical understanding and analytical skills.
Finally, the humour, jokes, and playful commentary from the ferret make the learning experience fun and interactive. When children laugh and enjoy what they’re reading, they are more likely to retain information and develop a lasting interest in history. By blending entertainment with education, Tudors Kings Queens Scribes & Ferrets supports key KS2 learning objectives and inspires curiosity about the past, making it an invaluable resource for teachers and students alike.
