National Curriculum KS1 English

Hands-On Education’s View of the National Curriculum of England

Firstly, it’s worth clarifying that the UK National Curriculum is actually made up of four separate curriculums in much the same way it comprises of four different countries. Commonly referred to as the English National Curriculum this is actually inaccurate as it is properly titled The National Curriculum of England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland while part of the United Kingdom use their own national curriculums.

The National Curriculum for England is by far the most comprehensive of the four and is used by international schools around the world as well as a benchmark for many former English speaking common wealth countries curriculums. Within the National Curriculum for England there are three Core topics and six secondary topics.

The core topics are:

You can find a complete breakdown of the national curriculum within the Hands-On Education curriculum section. We offer a comprehensive breakdown of each element of the curriculum along with links to our various English language activities that meet the standards.

Early Years Education in England

Prior to the age of five when most children enter Year One and get their first taste of the English education system pupils attend Nursery School followed by a year of Reception. You can find over 200 free reception activities on Hands-On Education; you only need to sign up for a free account to gain full access.

killed word reading involves incorporating literacy worksheets into the curriculum, teachers and parents can help children develop these skills in a fun and engaging way.

Teachers in nursery and reception do not follow the National Curriculum of England, as this guidance does not start prior to year one. The UK government have however created the Early Learning Goals, which outlines seven key points considered important for very young children to excel at. (Hands-On Education is run by a home educating family in England and have never sent their children to school, this is in part due to not believing young children should be put under educational pressures at such a young age.)

The key aspects of the Early Learning Goals / Early Years Foundation Stage are:

• Communication and Language
• Expressive Arts and Design
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Physical Development – Fine Motor Skills
• Physical Development – Gross Motor Skills
• Understanding the World

Please check out all of these play-based hands-on activities along with our free phonics guides if you are interested.

Programme of Study for the Key Stage 1 English Curriculum

Hands-on education provides an effective way for students to learn their programme of study, especially when it comes to English language activities. In the national curriculum of England, the English curriculum focuses on reading and writing skills, our hands-on activities and worksheets help students develop these skills in a fun and engaging way.

One example of a hands-on activity for reading and writing is to study a classic poem. Poetry can help in developing pupils’ vocabulary and gain knowledge in word reading. Poems using familiar paired words such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star can feed pupils imaginations and are well known and enables pupils to gain both pleasure and further understanding of this beautifully written language. Primary school pupils and home educated children can work together to write and illustrate their own poem in-line with their ability. Such activities teach pupils not only how to develop their writing skills, but also encourages them to read and appreciate the work of their peers.

Another hands-on activity is creating story dice to enable pupils to develop well-structured descriptions of a story from the dice. Primary school pupils and home educated children can work in groups or alone to explore how language can feed pupils’ imaginations. They can discuss writing similar stories without coping each other. This activity helps children develop positive attitudes towards reading and writing.

Overall, incorporating hands-on activities into the key stage one English curriculum can make learning more enjoyable and effective for students. By engaging in fun and creative activities, pupils develop their reading and writing skills while also building teamwork and collaboration skills.

Equipping Pupils in Developing Phonic Knowledge

All forms of hands-on education have become increasingly important in recent years, especially in primary education. Incorporating read aloud spoken language activities and worksheets as a means to introduce key stage content has proven successful. Within the national curriculum of England this method often enables pupils to be effective in their oral language skills. It also can enhance students' overall English language skills.

Hands-on education encourages students to learn through experience and exploration such as drama and theatre performances. By engaging in activities that require the use of their hands and minds, students develop a deeper understanding of the English language. They learn how inferring characters feelings can help them gain knowledge and justify answers when discussing abstract concepts. This approach is particularly effective in teaching English language skills, as it allows students to practice using the language in a practical context.

Read aloud spoken language activities, such as role-playing, debates, and presentations, are an excellent way to develop students' communication and language skills. Using effective spoken language helps pupils and home educated children both fiction and non-fiction and achieve some of the national curriculum aims. Our fun and engaging ks1 English activities encourage students to use all the skills they’ve obtained in life to explore ideas audibly. Vocalising well-structured descriptions and the ability to write fluently with justifying answers and explanations shows a caried and rich vocabulary.

The national curriculum in English encourages action discussing words commonly used in the English language. By enabling pupils to do so in a meaningful way, this helps them to develop fluency and confidence with the English language and throughout their academic life.

Hands-On Education provide engaging ks1 English worksheets with many of their activities and topics. As teachers teach pupils using familiar printed words this feeds pupils’ imagination and helps greatly in formal presentations. With the forthcoming secondary education more formal presentations become increasingly common and parents and teachers who teach pupils such skills early on do a great service to their wards. Widespread reading or unfamiliar printed words with overreaching aims form part of every child’s primary and secondary education.

English language skills, both spoken and written are invaluable tools for primary aged pupils and home educated children learning the national curriculum of England’s English language skills. Key stage one teachers can provide students with the opportunity to practice specific language skills, such as grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Worksheets alongside engaging and fun activities are also an effective way to assess students' progress and understanding of their programme of study.

Young people acquire knowledge through engaging and fun lesson plans. By incorporating hands-on learning, you can bring both pleasure to each individual student and your whole classroom. With interesting read aloud spoken language activities and worksheets all meeting the standards set out in the national curriculum of England, your lessons can greatly enhance a students' English language skills. Together we can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in today's global society.

Hands-On Education’s Tell Me A Story Topic

Hands-on Education provide resourceful curriculum-based activities are essential for children to gain all the skills needed for a comprehensive primary education. Children between five and seven years old are more likely to learn better when they can engage with the material in a fun and exciting way without vastly overreaching aims. One great way to achieve this is through the use of our Tell Me A Story: One and Tell Me A Story: Two topics.

Our year one and year two activities help children to acquire knowledge without making formal presentations or applying undue pressure. Teachers and parents telling a story and then asking the children to retell the story in their own words can be very beneficial. Hearing spoken words helps such development as using capital letters and developing they’re in their own writing. The use of capital letters is incredibly important in spoken and written language. Within spoken language capital letters make us aware of sentence structures and proper nouns.

The national curriculum for English comprises of relevant strategies to increase pupils’ vocabulary. It is recommended children try writing aloud, this benefits not only spoken language but also word reading. Combining all the skills attained students can explore ideas while speaking audibly bringing both pleasure to parents and teachers alike. All of this encourages active listening and comprehension skills. It also helps children to develop their own language and vocabulary.

Investigating the Spoken and Written Language of Homophones

Another useful tool for school going and home-schooled children within primary education is the use of worksheets alongside decent lesson plans. These can be used to reinforce learning and to help children practice further exception words such as homophones. Homophones spell words exactly the same but have different meanings.

“The desert wasn’t very good; it was too dry.”

I don’t like the desert, it’s too hot and dry.”

A sweet desert and a hot sandy desert are prefect examples of how homophones spell words the same but are said and mean completely different things. The use of worksheets can help in increasing pupils’ vocabulary and comprehension of homophones.

Free Resources for KS1 English

Hands-On Education offer a large array of key stage 1 and key stage 2 free videos to help such developments as word reading comprehension within the national curriculum for England. With a simple free membership anyone can access our entire video library to view or download. We also give away all of our Reception aged activities aimed at children under five years old.

Starting with our Year One Seasons topic covering Art, Geography, Maths and Science children and parents can enjoy 9 free activities alongside 13 worksheets. In Year Two Castles we gladly give members 9 activities, worksheet and 8 videos. This topic covers Art, Design and Technology, Geography and History. Then in Year Three Light Shadows and Reflections we offer parents and teachers a look at another 9 activities, with one video and 6 accompanying worksheets. All of these are a great trove of free resources for primary education and can be used to supplement classroom learning or as a tool for home learning.

Hands-On Education’s KS1 Classical Poetry Topics

Hands-on education is a great way to engage young learners and help them develop important skills. One way to incorporate this type of learning into primary education activities is through the study of classical poetry. Much poetry contains simple reoccurring literary language and does not require skilled word reading. As mentioned above Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a wonderful example of such development. To gain word reading comprehension young pupils should start with familiar poems or songs such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Developing a good grasp on spoken language underpins may necessary skills throughout school years. Common tasks such as making formal presentations later in key stage 2 are simplified by gaining an early confidence in word reading. By focusing on the rich language and imagery of poets, primary school students and home-schooled children can improve their oral language skills while also gaining an appreciation for the artistry of the written word.

Home Education in the United Kingdom

For families who choose a home education approach, it is important to ensure that their curriculum aligns with the English national curriculum standards. By incorporating classical poetry studies, students can work towards meeting requirements for English language and literature. Additionally, home education can help foster a love of learning and a lifelong passion for language and literature.

Overall, hands-on education and classical poetry studies can be valuable tools for primary education activities and home education. By emphasizing oral language skills and learning to discuss abstract concepts parents and teachers will be equipping pupils for the world at large.

While English and classical poetry may seem like a daunting subject to teach, there are many resources available to make it engaging and accessible to young learners. Some ideas to incorporate classical poetry into primary education activities include:

• Acting out scenes from Shakespeare's plays, such as Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night's Dream. This can help students develop their oral language skills and understand the meaning behind the words.
• Analysing the imagery and symbolism in Wordsworth's poems, such as "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" or "Tintern Abbey." This can help students develop their critical thinking skills and appreciate the artistry of language.
• Writing their own poems inspired by classical poets. This can help students develop their creative writing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the techniques used by poets.

Be sure to check out our Year One - Classical Poetry: One and Year Two – Classical Poetry: Two topics for loads of great ideas, lessons and activity sheets.

Develop Positive Attitudes in Reading and Writing Domains

Primary education is made up of Key Stage One in England and is the foundation for a child's academic journey. It is important for schools and home educators to provide a hands-on educational experience for children to develop a love for learning. One way to incorporate this is through fun free activities that align with the UK National Curriculum for Year One and Year Two.

Literacy worksheets accompanied by great lesson plans can be a wonderful tool for children to develop their reading and writing skills. These worksheets can help children to write fluently and slowly introduce widespread reading. English literacy covers various topics such as phonics, grammar, and comprehension. By using a combination of our hands-on activities and worksheets, children can learn in a fun and engaging way.

It is important for primary level schools and home school families to ensure that they are following the UK National Curriculum for Key Stage One. This curriculum covers subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and more. It is important to note that the UK National Curriculum for Key Stage One emphasizes the development of core skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Skilled word reading involves incorporating literacy worksheets into the curriculum, teachers and parents can help children develop these skills in a fun and engaging way. Additionally, hands-on activities such as science experiments and art projects can help pupils apply what they have learned and deepen their understanding of key concepts such as diagonal and horizontal strokes in joined up writing.

Furthermore, research has shown that when children enjoy learning, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in the classroom. By creating a positive and stimulating learning environment, teachers can foster a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and into later stages of education and life.

Hands-On Education have adapted a hands-on approach to education. We provide fun activities, age-appropriate videos and worksheets that are more than just throw away print-offs. can also help children develop important social and emotional skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. By providing opportunities for students to work together and share their ideas, teachers can help them build confidence and develop valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Overall, by combining traditional teaching methods with engaging and interactive activities, teachers can provide children with a well-rounded education that fosters a love for learning and prepares them for success in the future.

Looking at Key Stage 2 English

Spoken language is an essential foundation for both reading and writing, particularly in the primary school years. It is the basis for the development of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension, and helps children to build the skills they need to become effective communicators. In the classroom, teachers can construct exciting lessons that integrate spoken language with reading and writing activities to help their students develop these skills.

In Key Stage 2 English, children are expected to become more confident and effective speakers, listeners, readers, and writers. This includes developing their ability to speak and listen in a wide range of situations, such as group discussions, debates, and presentations. Teachers can support this development by providing opportunities for children to work in pairs or small groups, engaging them in discussions on a variety of topics, and encouraging them to express their opinions and ideas.

In addition, teachers can use storytelling, role-play, and drama to help children to develop their understanding of language and to build their confidence in using it. These activities can also help children to develop their comprehension and writing skills by providing them with a range of different contexts in which to explore language and ideas.

Ultimately, by integrating spoken language into reading and writing activities, teachers can help children to become confident, effective communicators who are able to express their ideas and opinions clearly and with confidence.

Developing Pupils’ Competence in Spoken Language

Storytelling, role-play, and drama are excellent tools that teachers and home educators can use to help children develop their language skills and build their confidence in using it. By engaging in these activities, children can explore different contexts and develop their understanding of language and ideas.

Storytelling and drama and theatre performances allow children to immerse themselves in a narrative, which can help them to learn new key stage one vocabulary and understand how language can be used to create vivid descriptions and characters. Expressing feelings of characters helps maintain attention to their task at hand and grow in their confidence to debate spoken language. A strong foundation in KS1 English also helps to develop their listening and comprehension skills, as they follow a plot and try to anticipate what will happen next.

Role-play at home or in a classroom is another effective way to encourage children to use language in a meaningful and engaging way. By taking on different roles and interacting with others, children can practice using language in situational contexts, which can help to build their confidence and fluency. They can also learn how to use language to express different emotions and perspectives, which can help them to develop empathy and social skills.

Finally, drama and theatre performance is a powerful tool that can help children to develop their confidence in spoken English and help spark creativity. By participating in drama activities, pupils can learn how to use language expressively and confidently, which can help them in a range of different contexts, from public speaking to writing. Drama also encourages children to think creatively and critically, as they explore different characters and situations.

Building on the importance of using storytelling, role-play, and drama in language development, here are some additional ideas and benefits:

By incorporating these activities into language learning, educators and parents can help children develop valuable skills that extend beyond just language proficiency.

In conclusion, storytelling, role-play, and drama are valuable tools that teachers and home educators can use to help children develop their language skills, comprehension, and writing ability. By engaging in these activities, children can learn how to use language in a meaningful and engaging way, which can help them to become confident and skilled communicators.

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:

• Art and Design
• Design and Technology
• English
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Music and Movement
• Physical Education
• Science