KS1 History Curriculum Article
Investigating how Hands-On Education explores core History Topics in Primary Education
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British History and World History Activities
Hands-On Education incorporates a teaching approach that emphasizes fun educational lessons, where children learn through hands-on history-based activities and projects. In the context of teaching national curriculum compliant British and world history topics in primary education our approach can be especially effective in engaging students and helping them develop a deeper understanding of historical events and concepts through a chronological narrative.
One way that Hands-On Education explores core history topics is through the use of simulations, timeline cards and role-playing activities. For example, students can simulate the experience of living in a particular time period or culture, or take on the role of historical figures and act out key events. This can help students bond with events beyond living memory. As pupils understand certain events in history their ability to compare aspects of different periods grows and with this, pupils tend to develop empathy and an appreciation for the complexities of historical events and social structures grow.
For parents and teachers teaching non-European society history, it is important to not just focus on dates and events, but also on key historical skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation.
Like many primary schools Hands-On Education explore primary source materials, such as documents, artifacts, and photographs, to build lessons and activities. We then compare aspects of significant historical events and break them into age appropriate and understandable lessons. Primary and secondary school children learn to build a deeper understanding of historical events and perspectives in this way. Our home educator and teacher friendly topics can include easy to understand videos, worksheets, timeline cards and fieldtrips.
Hands-On Education often incorporate field trips and other experiential learning opportunities, such as visiting museums, historical castles, or cultural events. These activities encourage children to compare aspects of different periods through a more tangible and immersive experience of history, helping them to develop a deeper appreciation for the subject and its relevance to their own lives.
Be sure to explore the broad range of historical concepts covered in our ks1 history curriculum lessons. Overall, Hands-On Education can be a powerful tool for exploring core history topics in primary education, helping students to engage more deeply with the primary curriculum history and develop a broader understanding of the world around them.
The Significance of Exploring Ancient Civilizations
Studying the earliest civilizations such as ancient China, early Islamic civilization and Ancient Egypt offers valuable insights into the evolution of human communities and their influence on our current world. With ancient Egypt in-particular there is a massive amount of kid friendly information available in libraries and online. The ancient Egyptians lived in stark contrast to much of the inhabitants of the British Isles. History has shown that they were a far more developed society than the Anglo Saxons. At a time when Egypt would have contained large cities and luxuries such as indoor plumbing the Anglo Saxson struggle involved surviving in thatched wooden houses and implementing simple farming techniques.
Through studying history teachers and parents are imparting essential historical skills and are able to highlight important international achievements in local history. Over time pupils will learn to ask historically valid questions and come to appreciate the various aspects of the primary history curriculum. Hands-On Education encourage students to become knowledgeable and committed citizens who can scrutinize and comprehend the events of our past from the great Mayan civilization to the gun powder plot in England.
Teaching Key Stage One History
Teaching history is a crucial aspect of education, as it helps us to better understand our past and shape our future. Human history is a broad subject ranging from the Iron Age and Stone Age all the way to World War I and WWII. In this section we will have a further look at two of the earliest civilizations in human history: ancient China and Egypt. These civilizations thrived thousands of years ago and left a lasting impact on our world today.
In ancient China, one of the earliest dynasties was the Shang dynasty. This dynasty lasted from around 1600 BCE to 1046 BCE and is known for its advances in writing, bronze metallurgy, and agriculture. The Shang dynasty also had a complex social hierarchy and a strong military that helped them expand their territory.
In ancient Egypt, the civilization emerged around 3150 BCE and lasted until the end of the pharaonic era in 332 BCE. The Egyptians are known for their pyramids, hieroglyphics, and advanced irrigation systems. They also had a complex religious system and believed in an afterlife.
For parents and teachers teaching non-European society history, it is important to not just focus on dates and events, but also on key historical skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and interpretation. Establishing a chronological understanding helps primary aged pupils learn from historical figures such as Rosa Parks, who sparked the civil rights movement in the United States of America by refusing to give up her seat on a bus. Her bravery and determination continue to inspire people around the wider world today.
Events Beyond Living Memory
The Great Fire of London is a significant event in the history of England, and is often studied as part of the key stage one national curriculum for history. The national curriculum of England covers a wide range of time periods and events, with a focus on helping students develop a broad understanding of the wider world and its history.
The Great Fire of London was a catastrophic event that took place in September 1666, in which a fire raged through the city for four days, destroying much of London and changing the everyday life of thousands. The fire is believed to have started in a bakery on Pudding Lane, and was fuelled by strong winds and a lack of firefighting resources.
The event had significant impacts on the city and its people, and is often studied as a way of understanding the social, economic and political context of the time. Knowing about this event can help extend pupils chronological knowledge of early life in modern Britain. It is also seen as a turning point in the history of the city, leading to significant changes in the way buildings were constructed, and the development of new firefighting techniques.
The Great Fire of London is just one example of the many events and time periods covered by the key stage one history national curriculum of England, which aims to help students develop a deeper understanding of the wider world and its significant peoples. Through studying the national and international achievements of the Roman empire, Mayan civilization or even the first aeroplane flight, students are able to gain a better understanding of the social, economic and political context of different time periods, and the ways in which these events have shaped the world we live in today.
Hands-On History Activities
Hands-on education is an excellent way to engage children in their learning. For key stage one students, activities that involve physical manipulation of objects can be particularly effective. Worksheets, videos, and free history lessons can also be valuable tools to help young learners understand the past.
In terms of hands-on activities, there are many options for key stage one students interested in historical periods. For example, creating a timeline of historical events can be a great way to help children understand the order in which events occurred. Another idea is to use artifacts or replicas to help students visualize what life was like in the past. For example, students can create replica coins from ancient Rome to gain a better understanding of the currency used during that time period.
Worksheets and videos can also be valuable resources for teaching the history national curriculum to young children. Worksheets can provide opportunities for children to practice reading, writing, and critical thinking skills while also learning about history. Hands-On videos can be particularly effective at engaging children and bringing historical events to life.
Castles and other points of history
Hands-on education employs a method of teaching that involves active participation by the student. This approach allows learners to engage with the historical topic they are studying in a more meaningful way, which can lead to better understanding and retention of information. In the context of history enquiry, hands-on learning can be particularly effective. By using engaging activities and immersive experiences, primary school aged pupils and home educated children can gain a deeper appreciation for the past and develop important critical thinking skills.
The key stage one and lower key stage two history curriculum in England is part of the national curriculum of England. This sets out the knowledge and skills that students should acquire in each subject at different stages of their education. Within history, the curriculum covers a wide range of historical periods, including the study of significant people and events in the western world and beyond. The history curriculum also looks at the development of key concepts such as cause and consequence, change and continuity, and significance.
One way to make history education more engaging and interactive is to incorporate activities related to castles. Castles are an important part of England's history and can provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Hands-On Education offer many free activities to help primary school aged pupils and home educated children explore the history of castles.
Overall, if you are looking to enhance your understanding of the history curriculum or the national curriculum of England, incorporating Hands-On Educations activities and to your resource’s arsenal can be a great choice.
If you are looking beyond KS1 Art be sure to explore more of our exclusive topics. We cover key stage one learning across the national curriculum for England in:
