Living Memory

Studying events within living memory can help young children to gain an early understanding of chronology and that history is made all of the time. It also helps them to understand the world and their place within it. Through this Key Stage 1 unit of study, children are introduced to historical concepts, vocabulary and representations through exploring the ways in which life has changed over the time of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. This can be used to reveal aspects of national events or changes where possible. Popular areas for this topic include family, toys, holidays, the climate, technology, school, among many others.  In this section you will find articles and guidance to help you plan exciting and creative ways to introduce your children to the study of history.

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  • Oral history - a source of evidence for the primary classroom

    Article

    Please note: this article pre-dates the 2014 National Curriculum and some content may be outdated. To help children develop a more rounded awareness of historical understanding, they should have the opportunity to examine different types of evidence. The National Curriculum states that, "children should recognise that the past is represented and interpreted...

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  • A history of the world - 100 objects that tell a story

    Article

    Please note: this article pre-dates the 2014 National Curriculum and some content may be outdated. Editorial comment: A History of the World is the most creative, imaginative and dynamic development in primary History Education for thirty years. It ties in perfectly with and supports the government's re-vitalisation of primary education that...

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  • History...about lives and living

    Article

    Please note: this article pre-dates the 2014 National Curriculum and some content may be outdated. Let me start with a personal experience and then move on to a classroom example. I went to Paris for a few days recently and sat in the bar where Hemingway used to drink with...

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  • Introducing history at Key Stage 1: a view from the classroom

    Article

    Please note: this article pre-dates the 2014 National Curriculum and some content may be outdated. ‘What are we doing this for?’ I was asked this question as we entered the churchyard to look at the local War memorial. The curiosity and directness of a six year old child is guaranteed...

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  • What was it like to live here in the past? Resourcing the local study

    Article

    Finding sources for your local study can be a challenge, particularly if you are not familiar with the history of the area around your school. Please note: this article uses the Images of England website which has now closed down. The images can still be found via the Historic England website. This...

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  • Oral history in primary schools

    Article

    Although this article focuses on a distinctive and effective historical activity it is important from the outset to recognise that involvement in oral history also has the potential to enhance learning across the ‘formal curriculum’ and beyond. Talking to older people about their lived experience and recording their memories provides...

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