Teaching Ideas
- Try one of our huge list of teaching ideas.
- Use Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse with our collection of ideas.
- These lesson plans explore the inspirational women of the First World War.
- Make your own trench models from clay and everyday materials.
- These comprehensive lesson plans with supporting resources from Gloucestershire council cover topics such as life in the trenches, life at home and the 1914 Christmas truce.
- Create a World War 1 timeline using this resource from Ducksters.
Resources
- Our World War 1 Teaching Pack is full of information, activity resources and display materials.
- Use our World War 1 image pack.
- These World War 1 fact cards can be used for research or quizzes, and there are even blank ones to add your own facts.
- Our sandbag / trench themed letters are perfect for a World War 1 display.
- Use our World War 1 banner, Great War banner or World War 1 display letters to create some great displays in your classroom.
- This news report on the assassination of archduke Franz Fredinand and his wife Sofie, is suitable for reading activities with older children.
World War 1 Knowledge Organiser
Members of Teaching Packs can download a comprehensive knowledge organiser to accompany this topic. It includes key information that your children can use for reference and research, along with images, a timeline and a glossary.
Not a member yet? Join us today!
World War One
- At the time, World War 1 was known as “The Great War”, and only began to be referred to as the First World War following the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
- The longest battle of the war was fought on the banks of the River Somme, in France, from the 1st of July to the 18th of November 1916. Over a million soldiers lost their lives.
- During World War 1, Marie Curie developed mobile x-ray machines what could be taken to field hospitals. Blood banks were also first used during the war.
- World War 1 was the first major war in which airplanes were used.
- The armistice that ended the fighting was signed at 11 am, on the 11th of November 1918, but the war officially ended on the 28th of June 1919.
Videos
World War 1 Cousins
The Horrible Histories team explain the relationships between the monarchies of Russia, Germany and Great Britain.
Running time: 2:15
Horrible Histories – World War 1 Sketch
The Horrible Histories team publish a humorous magazine in the trenches.
Running time: 1:50
World War 1 Facts
The video gives a comprehensive overview of the war for older children.
Running time: 10:38
What was life like in the trenches of World War I?
The video gives an insight into the conditions that soldiers had to live in.
Running time: 10:38
Books
Stubby
From an army training camp to the trenches in France, this is the incredible true story of Sergeant Stubby, the dog who served bravely in the First World War, sniffing out gas attacks, catching spies and winning the hearts of his fellow soldiers.
One Boy's War
A young soldier’s honest portrayal, told through letters home and a frank journal, of his enthusiasm for the 1914 recruitment campaign, and joining up – followed by the disillusionment and degradation of soldiering in the trenches of World War I.
Private Peaceful
The story follows twenty-four hours in the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a soldier in the trenches on the front line.
See Inside First World War
This is a fascinating flap book packed with essential information about the First World War, from the start of the conflict in 1914, to its resolution in 1918.
You Wouldn't Want to be in the Trenches in World War One!
From sharing your bed with rats and lice to a diet of bully beef, bread and biscuits, discover why you really wouldn’t want to be a soldier living in a trench during World War One.
The Story of the First World War for Children
The Story of the First World War for Children (1914-1918) is a fact-packed information book that relates the unfolding events and the human stories in a way that brings history vividly to life.
The Story of World War One
Full of wonderful, full-colour illustrations and interesting stories, this is a timely addition to existing books on the subject that will interest even the most reluctant readers.
Frightful First World War
In Frightful First World War readers can discover the the full story: what the ‘Fat King’ did with food scraps and dead horses how sniffing your own pee could save your life in a gas attack why a pair of old socks gave away top German secrets.
DK Findout! World War I
Learn about World War 1 using this fantastic book from the DK Findout! series.
Links
- This National Geographic site is perfect for independent research.
- The BBC Bitesize World War 1 learner guides have plenty of useful images and information.
- This page from the Imperial War Museum explores how children took part in the war.
- Fun Kids have a comprehensive section on the Great War.
- Research facts about the war with DKfindout!
- Explore this World War 1 page from Kiddle.
- This terrific site explores how World War 1 affected the area of the UK known as the Black Country.
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