This half term, we will be exploring changes over time by learning about important events from the past and comparing them to our lives today.
Changes Within Living Memory
Talking about events we remember, such as COVID-19
Understanding how these events have changed our daily lives
Events Beyond Living Memory
Learning about the Great Fire of London and the plague
Understanding why these events are important in history
Comparing Past and Present
Comparing the bubonic plague and COVID-19
Looking at how people stayed safe and how responses were different
The Great Fire of London
Listening to the story of the fire
Learning about Samuel Pepys and his diary
Timelines and Creative Activities
Creating timelines of key events
Designing a COVID face mask
Making a class Great Fire of London scene
Creating a storyboard based on Samuel Pepys’ experiences
Through our learning, children will be developing:
Understanding of time – recognising past and present
Comparison skills – identifying similarities and differences between events
Historical enquiry – asking questions about the past
Sequencing – placing events in order using timelines
Communication – sharing ideas through discussion, art and storytelling
Vocabulary – using words like past, present, timeline, event, history
You can support your child’s learning in simple and meaningful ways:
🕰️ Talk about the past – share stories from your own childhood
📅 Create a simple timeline of family or important events
🔥 Discuss the Great Fire of London and why it happened
😷 Talk about COVID-19 and how it changed daily life
📚 Read books or watch videos about historical events
💬 Encourage questions about how life was different in the past
We’re excited to explore the past and understand how it has shaped our lives today! 🌟