We've got all the Great Fire of London facts for kids that you need to know right here!The Great Fire of London is an important event in British history and September 1666 will never be forgotten.In September 1666, <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/venue/the-london-dungeon" target="_blank">London</a> was the largest <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/venue/museum-of-london" target="_blank">city</a> in Britain by far and had been enclosed in a city wall that the Romans had built centuries earlier. Here we'll take you through 15 interesting facts about the dramatic night that the city went up in flames.<h2>Why is the Great Fire Of London Important to History?</h2>The Great Fire of London is important for kids in both KS1 and KS2. History is important to know about because we can learn from it, the facts about The Great Fire of London that your kids will learn not only widen their knowledge and teach empathy but have also taught us what not to do in the future.After the Great Fire of London, people knew not to build houses out of wood and straw and other flammable materials and to build houses so close together. This shows that there is lots we can learn from past events, even if they were awful, they often inspired many new advancements and procedures that have influenced how we live today.<h2>Great Fire of London Facts</h2>The Great Fire of London broke out in Pudding Lane just after midnight when Thomas Farriner forgot to put the fire in the oven out, on 2 September 1666. Thomas Farriner's family were stuck upstairs and had to jump out the window so they could escape!<ul><li>St Paul's Cathedral became a refuge for many people, they flocked there as it was made of stone, but the roof was made of wood - oops, perhaps that wasn't such a good idea.</li><li>A whopping 13,000 houses and 87 churches were burnt down in the fire. They burnt down so easily because most of the houses were built of straw, wood and other flammable materials. These houses were really close together and so the fire spread quickly.</li><li>70,000 people lost their homes and had to escape London to nearby fields and set up new places to stay.</li><li>Robert Hubert was hung after he admitted to starting the fire, but it was later discovered he didn't do it and the fire was an accident.</li><li>There was disagreement between firefighters and King Charles II about how to stop the fire and prevent more deaths. The firefighters wanted to pull houses down before they caught fire but King Charles II disagreed. Because the fire was increasing so fast, he eventually had to agree.</li><li>By analysing melted pottery fragments from the Great Fire of London, it was found that temperatures at Pudding Lane and beyond reached 1,250 degrees Celsius - and we thought 35 degrees was hot! That's definitely the hottest September ever.</li><li>The Fire of London began just as the people of London were recovering from the plague that spread in the city throughout the 1600s. The plague killed around 15% of the British population in the 1660s, which was over 100,000 people.</li><li>In the stories of Doctor Faustus, Dr Faust appeals to Mephistocoles, a demon, to end the plague that killed so many in London. Mephistocoles grants his wish. Mephistocoles starts the Great Fire of London to kill all those infected with the plague and Dr Faustus is distraught!</li><li>Samuel Pepys wrote in March 1667 that even six months after the fire was put out he could still see some towers on fire. It's important to note that this is one account and it might not be wholly true. Whether it is definitely true or not, Samuel Pepys is an important figure regarding the Great Fire of London because he kept a diary where he wrote about the fire and his warnings to the London Mayor and King Charles II.</li><li>King Louis XIV of France offered to send aid in the form of food and anything else the destitute people of London needed.</li><li>After the fire, the houses were made from brick to prevent such an awful thing from happening again. John Evelyn actually warned King Charles II in 1661 about the fire hazard the houses would cause, and he didn't listen!</li></ul><figure class="image"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/great_fire_of_london_facts_for_kids_c40ee9a968.jpg" alt="The Great Fire of London started in Pudding Lane and spread across the city."></figure><ul><li>Sir Christopher Wren created a monument to commemorate the Great Fire of London that took six years to build. It stands at 61 metres high! This represents the 61 metre distance between where the fire started in Pudding Lane and where the monument now stands near London Bridge.</li><li>The first proper London Fire Brigade was actually created 200 hundred years after the Great London Fire in 1866.</li><li>Because of the damage done and the loss of homes, there were really significant financial issues for many people. In 1680, Nicholas Barbon set up an early insurance company for fire-related losses, an important development towards the insurance businesses we know today.</li><li>After the Great Fire of London, it was revealed that some people had previously plotted to start a fire in London to overthrow King Charles II. This fire was meant to take place on the anniversary of Oliver Cromwell's death. It was John Rathborne and William Saunders who were found guilty of planning this fire and conspiring against the King.</li><li>Officials considered letting down the Portcullis during the fire, which is the gate that closed people into the city of London. If they had done this no one would have been able to escape.</li></ul>

Read these Great Fire of London facts for kids to learn everything you need to know about this famous historical event.

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Are your KS2 kids learning all about history? We've got all the Great Fire of London facts for kids that you need to know right here.

15 Interesting Great Fire of London Facts For Kids

The whole <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/home-schooling-resources-to-download-now" target="_blank">home-schooling</a> concept can feel daunting at first, and it will certainly come with its challenges, especially while you're still finding your groove as a family and as a parent-turned-teacher! Luckily, Netflix offers plenty of wonderful alternatives to boring ol' classroom-style teaching. There are lots of fun and, most importantly, educational series available to stream at any time - especially for children who love animal programmes. Whether your kid is a jungle fanatic or an aspiring marine biologist, Netflix will help you answer all their burning questions about their favourite animals by ways of exciting and captivating programmes specifically geared at children.Here are Kidadl's top picks of the 5 best educational programmes streaming on Netflix: a must for animal-loving kids!<h2 data-header-link="Pablo">Pablo</h2><div></div>Perfect for: Toddlers and kids between 0-7 who are drawn to beautiful illustrations and life's curiosities.This wonderful and imaginative series is part illustrated, part real-life action and features Pablo, a five-year old autistic boy, and his animal friends as the main protagonists. Every episode starts with real-life Pablo (portrayed by Jake Williamson) and a worrying situation he is facing - going to a birthday party, wearing strange, formal clothes or his loss of smell, for example. These situations cause him to retreat into his imaginary world where his friends Draff, Tang, Noasaurus, Wren, Llama and Mouse offer comfort and support. They all exhibit characteristics associated with autism - Tang finds it difficult to read social cues, Wren flaps her wings for comfort, Mouse is extremely sensitive to sounds and smells and Noasaurus gets very nervous about things he doesn't understand. Together, they learn to face new challenges and overcome seemingly scary situations. Written and voiced by a team who are all on the spectrum, this unique series is visually stimulating and educational, and opens kids up the experiences of others.<h2 data-header-link="Treehouse Detectives">Treehouse Detectives</h2>Perfect for: Little detectives between 4-10 who like chasing mysteries with their four-legged friends.For a series that will ignite your children's fantasy and inspire many new detective game around the home, build an episode of Treehouse Detectives into your daily homeschooling or leisure routine. The Treehouse Detectives are made up of the brother and sister bear team Tobi and Teri, and their group of friends Rumy the nervous little pig, (blue) Jay the chatty bird, Bean the daring squirrel and Millie the artistic rabbit. Every episode follows Tobi, Teri and the other animals as they head out to solve another puzzle. Whether they're trying to figure out why bees are attracted to sugar or why the hermit crab would want to steal Millie's measuring cup, the Treehouse Detectives always end up solving their case by using the clues and following the facts. &nbsp;This series encourages your children to think creatively and to search for answers using the knowledge already available to them. Delivering exciting facts about animals, nature and people in a playful manner, your kids will always end a twenty-minute episode having learned a lesson or five.<h2 data-header-link="72 Cutest Animals">72 Cutest Animals </h2>Perfect for: Kids between 7-12 who would happily adopt every one of the 72 cute animals on this show.This documentary series on Netflix, offers the perfect balance between entertainment and education. Each episode features segments on ten different animals, all of which are ridiculously cute, in their natural habitats, in reserves and some at home, with their owners. Four to five minute segments present interesting facts about the animal in question in an engaging way, complete with quirky music and funny footage. Their caretakers and other wildlife experts share &nbsp;great stories about the animals' personalities and habits, that will make your kids love them even more. After each segment, the animal's cuteness is voted and, at the end of the episode, they are ranked wit the cutest animal taking the number one spot. <h2 data-header-link="Our Planet">Our Planet</h2>Perfect for: Kids from 7-12 years who dream of one day exploring the jungles, oceans, mountains and forests of the world, and all the animals within.As far as educational programmes spotlighting animals go, you can never go wrong with anything narrated by the legendary David Attenborough. Our Planet, the eight-part limited series on Netflix, will bring the most exciting and beautiful parts of the world right into your living room, and will allow your kids to experience the animals that inhabit them up close. Travelling to frozen worlds to meet polar bears, penguins and walruses, and diving deep down into the darkest part of the oceans to introduce us to the weirdest and most wonderful creatures, Attenborough teaches kids about the habits and habitats of a huge variety of animals. The footage is absolutely stunning and will show your children animals they have never heard of or seen before. They will learn everything from strange hunting techniques to the most extravagant pre-mating rituals, giving them plenty to have a giggle about too. <h2 data-header-link="72 Dangerous Animals">72 Dangerous Animals</h2>Perfect for: Kids of 13 years and older who like a bit of action, a jumpy viewing experience, and the animal kingdom's most dangerous species.72 Cute Animals already covered the fluffy and adorable variety, now it's time to move on to the kind of animals you wouldn't want to encounter whilst out on a walk. These 72 Dangerous Animals, are more like the kind that would come jumping out at you in a game of <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/weve-got-the-best-classic-family-movies-locked-down" target="_blank">Jumanji</a>! Following the same format as cute series, this show goes off in search of the most dangerous animals in the world and captures them in live action: poisonous snakes going in for the kill, Cayenne ticks laying their evil eggs and rays electrocuting their prey. &nbsp;With one series focused on Latin American and the other on Asian animals, your children will get a good understanding of the different climates and conditions they need for survival. &nbsp;A fair word of warning here: some of the animal facts presented can be a bit scary. Even if your kiddo falls into the recommended age group, some could be too sensitive to some of the footage and talk about poisonous, disease inducing bites. Netflix is a great source for educational children's series and, as you can see, it offers plenty for the animal nuts of the family. So, stop your search right now, and get your kids started on either of these educational series about or featuring animals.

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If your kids love animals, look no further for some amazing educational programmes.

5 Best Educational Programmes On Netflix For Animal-Loving Kids

The Celtic queen Boudicca lived hundreds of years ago, so there are no photographs of her and only a few official documents about her. But we have gathered together some amazing facts about Boudicca, so kids can learn about this fascinating historical figure.Part of the <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/ultimate-list-key-stage-one-educational-resources">Key Stage 1</a> and <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/online-ks2-educational-resources">Key Stage 2</a> curriculum, Boudicca is an important figure from our ancient past, and so we have put together a helpful guide that explains who she is and what role she played in the history of the country. We have included a basic biography, ten top facts about Boudicca as well as some questions and fun learning activities to kids understand this fascinating moment in history.<h2>Who Was Boudicca?</h2>Boudicca was a Queen, ruling over the British Celtic 'Iceni' tribe after her husband, Prasutagus died. Prasutagus had made a pact with the Romans that when he died his kingdom would be split between his own family - Boudicca and their two daughters, whose names we do not know - &nbsp;and the Roman emperor. However, when Prasutagus did die, the Romans ignored his will and the kingdom was taken over by the Romans. At this point, around 61 AD, Boudicca gathered her tribe and began a revolt, destroying Roman towns and cities including London (called Londinium at the time), Colchester (then called Camulodunum) and St Albans in Hertfordshire (called Verulamium). The Roman governor gathered an army of Roman soldiers and managed to quickly defeat the Iceni tribe.<h2>The Name 'Boudicca'</h2>There are several different spellings used for Boudicca, including Boudica and Boadicea. There are lots of different ways to spell her name because at this point in time (around 50-60 AD) the records were made by Romans - and the Romans hadn't seen how the English Boudicca spelt her name. Instead, they were simply writing down what they had heard and guessing at the English spelling. Boadicea is thought to be wrong, but there is no way to know if she spelt her name with one C or two. Either way, the name is thought to have been pronounced as Boo-dik-ah.<h2>How Did Boudicca die?</h2>Boudicca died before the Romans could capture her - there are two different versions of the story: according to the Roman, <a href="https://kidadl.com/articles/tacitus-quotes-from-the-great-roman-historian">Tacitus</a>, she drank poisons so she wouldn't be captured, but according to the historian Cassius Dio, she died of an illness.<h2>Top Ten Facts About Boudicca</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5eecbf0d6d5a7a52b051aad5-the-ultimate-10-year-old-girl-party-ideas-5.jpeg" alt="Celtic Queen Costume for learning Boudicca Facts For Kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5eecbf0d6d5a7a52b051aad5-the-ultimate-10-year-old-girl-party-ideas-5.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5eecbf0d6d5a7a52b051aad5-the-ultimate-10-year-old-girl-party-ideas-5.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5eecbf0d6d5a7a52b051aad5-the-ultimate-10-year-old-girl-party-ideas-5.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5eecbf0d6d5a7a52b051aad5-the-ultimate-10-year-old-girl-party-ideas-5.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure>1. While of course there aren't any photographs of the warrior queen Boudicca, it is documented by the Romans that she had red hair that was long enough to go past her waist.2. The writings of Cassius Dio described Boudicca as a tall woman of royal descent, with a piercing stare. She wore a large gold necklace and colourful tunics, as well as a cloak that was fastened with a brooch.3. You can see a bronze sculpture of Boudicca and her daughters, on a horse-drawn chariot in Westminster, London. Facing the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben, the sculpture was designed and made in 1856 by artist and engineer, Thomas Thornycroft.4. The pact that the Iceni tribe had with the Roman Empire was not unusual. Other provinces, including Galatia and Bithynia, also had similar pacts. However, Roman law only allowed land to be inherited by men, i.e. the sons of the ruler, so because Prasutagus and Boudica had two daughters, the Romans did not keep to their promise.5. Boudicca led Britain in the battle against the Roman army, which was led by Gaius Suetonius Paulinus. The final battle took place on Watling Street, which is thought to be between Londinium and Viroconium (now known as London and Wroxeter in Shropshire).6. Although the British forces outnumbered the Romans by more than 20 to 1, the Romans won the battle of Watling Street.7. It is thought that almost 80,000 British and Roman people were killed in the uprising led by Boudicca, whose army assembled whilst the Roman Governor of Britain was away in Anglesey in North Wales.8. The Iceni tribe joined with another British tribe, the Trinovantes, who had lost their former capital, Camulodunum, to the Romans several years before.9. Prasutagus ruled over the Iceni tribe in Britain in the 1st century AD. Prasutagus and his tribe lived in the area that is now called Norfolk.10. The name Boudicca is thought to translate as 'She who brings victory', originating from the old Gaelic word 'Boudeg', meaning 'victory'. Because of this, it is more likely that Boudicca was a title given to the Queen of the Iceni rather than being her birth name.<h2>The Follow-Up: What Do We Know About Boudicca?</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f03162195c696b8f8dea3ba-boudicca-facts-for-kids-3.jpeg" alt="Dressing up as Celts for Boudicca Facts For Kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f03162195c696b8f8dea3ba-boudicca-facts-for-kids-3.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f03162195c696b8f8dea3ba-boudicca-facts-for-kids-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f03162195c696b8f8dea3ba-boudicca-facts-for-kids-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f03162195c696b8f8dea3ba-boudicca-facts-for-kids-3.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure>Here are some questions and follow-up activities for kids to continue learning about this topic:Who was Boudica?How many children did she have?Why did she start a battle against the Romans?Which cities were destroyed by Boudica's army?Make a drawing or sculpture of Boudicca using what we know about her!Why not make a map that shows where Boudica and the Iceni tribe lived, as well as plotting the journey that they took during the battle, &nbsp;including Colchester, London and St Albans. On the same map, you could also add the journey that the Romans took as they travelled from Anglesey to Watling Street.

Boudicca statue in London for Boudicca Facts For Kids

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Your KS1 and KS2 history buffs with love these Boudicca facts for kids!

Boudicca Facts For Kids

With a staggered return to school, <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/home-schooling-resources-to-download-now" target="_blank">home-schooling</a> has become a part of our daily routine. There is always a question of where to start and what to do so it's important that we cover all the necessary subjects for our children's learning. While English, <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/maths-homeschool-resources-key-stage-two-key-stage-three" target="_blank">Maths</a> and Science may be our main focus there are other important subjects that schools are required to teach.The national curriculum offers us a guideline of what to teach our kids at home. We've compiled the ultimate guide to the UK national curriculum to help you navigate your way through bringing home schools to life for KS1 and KS2 education. These will include compulsory subjects and information on the widely offered extra-curricular activities. <h2 data-header-link="Key Stage 1 And 2 Compulsory Subjects">Key Stage 1 and 2 Compulsory Subjects</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ed7799b7bd9dd546dd412bc-11-important-ways-to-improve-internet-safety-online-for-kids-and-teens-3.jpeg" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ed7799b7bd9dd546dd412bc-11-important-ways-to-improve-internet-safety-online-for-kids-and-teens-3.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ed7799b7bd9dd546dd412bc-11-important-ways-to-improve-internet-safety-online-for-kids-and-teens-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ed7799b7bd9dd546dd412bc-11-important-ways-to-improve-internet-safety-online-for-kids-and-teens-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ed7799b7bd9dd546dd412bc-11-important-ways-to-improve-internet-safety-online-for-kids-and-teens-3.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>The national curriculum offers a set of subjects that are compulsory for schools to cover in education. These subjects are vital to your children's development and allowing them to have a well-rounded education on a simple and basic level. These compulsory subjects include:<ul><li>English </li><li>Maths</li><li>Science</li><li>Design and Technology</li><li>History </li><li>Geography </li><li>Art and Design </li><li>Music</li><li>Physical Education (PE) - [including swimming]</li><li>Computing</li></ul> At Key Stage 2, it is also compulsory to include ancient and modern foreign languages. Also, schools must provide religious education (RE) but parents can choose whether or not their children are to be involved in these classes. <h2 data-header-link="Key Stage 1 And 2 Breakdowns">Key Stage 1 and 2 Breakdowns</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ed7b20633f53bea677290e8-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-3.jpeg" width="800" height="529" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ed7b20633f53bea677290e8-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-3.jpeg 236w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ed7b20633f53bea677290e8-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ed7b20633f53bea677290e8-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ed7b20633f53bea677290e8-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-3.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>English - This subject is broken down into 4 categories: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The national curriculum can be a bit tricky to understand so here is a helpful guide to English at key stage 1. KS2 develops these skills further with spelling and recognising longer and more complex words. BBC Bitesize has daily lessons for KS2 English that may be very helpful in learning.Maths - KS1 mathematics focuses on the development of confidence with whole numbers, counting and place value. Children should work with numerals, words and the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) at a low level. They should also develop their skills to recognise, draw, describe, compare and sort different shapes and use the relevant vocabulary. For KS2 these skills should be developed further working with larger numbers and increasing their multiplication up to the 12 times table by the end of year 4.Science - These will be basic and interesting lessons that teach your children how to ask questions and the different ways that they can be answered. They should learn to observe experiments, perform simple tests and use observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions. Gathering and recording data is another way to enhance learning and to help kids answer the questions. KS2 starts to use simple scientific language and introduces the use of graphs, labelled diagrams, keys, bar charts and tables. Students should also start designing their own simple experiments to answers questions they have developed themselves. Design and Technology - This subject is intended to teach your children creative and practical skills to engage with the world of designing and marketing. You can use a range of relevant contexts such as the home, gardens and playgrounds, industry and the wider environment. DT is broken into four sections: Design, Make, Evaluate and Technical Knowledge (exploring how structures can be made stronger and more stable). The KS2 guidelines for this subject are very similar to KS1, these will just be more advanced design and structures that children will attempt to build. You should also include a basic understanding of healthy and varied diets and at KS2 level teach your children to prepare and cook a variety of savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques. History - At a KS1 level, history is intended to help your children develop an awareness of the past and increase their use of common words and phrases related to the passing of time. The National Curriculum offers a lot of suggestions of the people and events that you can teach about for this year group but nothing is compulsory. You should aim to include changes in living memory, events beyond living memory, the lives of significant individuals who have contributed to national or global achievements and significant historical events, people and places in your own locality. Key Stage 2 develops chronologically from what they have studied at KS1 which include changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, the Roman Empire and the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons impact on Britain (check the guide for a full breakdown).Geography - Key Stage 1 geography should include locational knowledge (name and locate the world's 7 continents and 5 oceans and basic knowledge of the UK and its countries), Place knowledge (understanding the similarities and differences of a small area of the UK), Human and Physical geography and Geographical skills and fieldwork (such as map reading, using an atlas and simple compass directions). KS2 is an advanced development on the Key Stage 1 topics which are fully explained in the guide. Art and Design - Year 1 and 2 should be taught to use a range of materials, use drawings, painting and sculpture to share their ideas and experiences, to develop their use of colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space, and to learn about the work of a range of artist, describing difference and similarities between their work. KS2 should create sketchbooks to record their observations, improve their mastery of art and design techniques and learn about great artists, architects and designers in history. Music - KS1 music is all about using their voices expressively and creatively by singing songs and speaking chants and rhymes, play tuned and untuned instruments, listen with concentration to a range of recorded music and to experiment with, create and combine sounds with different dimensions of music. This should be extended for KS2 into improvisation and composition of music, play and perform musical instruments, listen to music with attention to detail and use and understanding musical notations while developing an understanding of the history of music. PE - There is a guide to the expected knowledge for KS1 and KS2 PE but ensuring that your children are getting sufficient exercise in the most important thing. Also, during this time, access to swimming pools may not be viable so ensure you replace this aspect with more experimental forms of exercise. Computing - It is important that children, of this generation, develop their computing skills early on which includes understanding algorithms and creating and debugging simple programmes. This full breakdown helps to explain each learning objective for computing. Plus, if this is a bit out of your depth (as it certainly is for me), STEM has amazing resources to help you teach computing from home. <h2 data-header-link="For Key Stage 2 Only">For Key Stage 2 Only</h2>Ancient and Modern Foreign Languages - There is no specific language that your child has to learn at this level but it should just be working with one foreign language at a low-level meeting the goals. <h2 data-header-link="Optional Subjects">Optional Subjects</h2><figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ed7b21fa6a38533ad65d1a5-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-4.jpeg" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ed7b21fa6a38533ad65d1a5-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-4.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ed7b21fa6a38533ad65d1a5-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ed7b21fa6a38533ad65d1a5-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ed7b21fa6a38533ad65d1a5-ultimate-guide-to-the-key-stage-one-and-two-curriculum-4.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Schools often also teach:<ul><li>personal, social and health education (PSHE)</li><li>citizenship</li><li>modern foreign languages (at key stage 1) </li></ul>While these are not compulsory requirements, it might help to follow what your child's school would teach if they were still at school to help decide what you would like them to learn.

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Find an easy route through the UK curriculum by key stage for KS1 and KS2!

Ultimate Guide To The Key Stage One and Two Curriculum

As parents, we're probably all familiar with Biff, Chip and Kipper. But do you really understand what your child is reading and how the level of the book relates to their reading ability? Worry no more with our handy guide to deciphering the levels in the Oxford Reading Tree scheme.The Oxford Reading Tree scheme is one of the most loved and well-used reading schemes in place across the UK's schools. It combines engaging stories and fun illustrations as well as phonics to help children learn to read at a pace that suits them. A division of Oxford University Press, Oxford Reading Tree was first launched back in 1986 with 24 stories aimed at helping children learn to read. Since then it has grown to hundreds of books, new fun series, and a system of teaching reading that is used across many schools in the UK. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e1dd47a29ea89804e13-children-reading-field-min.jpeg" alt="Children reading different Oxford Reading Tree levels in a field." width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f181e1dd47a29ea89804e13-children-reading-field-min.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f181e1dd47a29ea89804e13-children-reading-field-min.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f181e1dd47a29ea89804e13-children-reading-field-min.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e1dd47a29ea89804e13-children-reading-field-min.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>But there's more to it than just the Biff, Chip and Kipper series – did you know Julia Donaldson herself (of The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Zog fame) has also contributed to the Oxford Reading Tree scheme? The Songbirds Phonics series was penned by Julia Donaldson and provides easily decodable stories to encourage reading skills further. You can also find much-loved characters like Floppy. The Floppy Phonics series is designed to improve fluency as well as be fun to read using phonics children will already know. Don't forget you can <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/brilliant-ways-toddlers-learn-phonics-easily" target="_blank">play phonics games at home</a> to deepen your child's understanding. There are also non-fiction books within the Oxford Reading Tree series. inFact is a non-fiction series that aims to engage readers as well as any storybook. Fireflies is another non-fiction series that links to the wider curriculum.Want some fun fiction ideas for your Year 1 child? Check out <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/best-books-for-year-one-kids-aged-5-6" target="_blank">our recommended reads</a>.<h2 data-header-link="What Are The Oxford Reading Tree Levels?">What Are The Oxford Reading Tree Levels?</h2>The Oxford Reading Tree levels are a finely tuned system for determining how each child is progressing through the Oxford Reading Tree book scheme. Schools in the UK use Book Band colours across the different reading schemes to show the level of each book. On the Oxford books, you will find both a book band colour and a corresponding Oxford Level. Each also has a suggested age range – but of course, some children may be more advanced and others may need more support to reach this target. Each level feeds into the relevant phonics children will have already learned in school as well as using the high-frequency words for each key stage group to help build confidence in reading. Early readers feature stories on situations readers will be familiar with, while some of those aimed at Key Stage 2 will also link into the curriculum.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e3a5297e2293b9a5cce-girl-reading-book-min.jpeg" alt="Pre-school girl reading a book from the Oxford Reading Tree" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f181e3a5297e2293b9a5cce-girl-reading-book-min.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f181e3a5297e2293b9a5cce-girl-reading-book-min.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f181e3a5297e2293b9a5cce-girl-reading-book-min.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e3a5297e2293b9a5cce-girl-reading-book-min.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="How Do The Oxford Reading Levels Compare To Book Bands?">How Do The Oxford Reading Levels Compare To Book Bands?</h2>The Oxford levels and the book bands are very easy to match up – what is less clear is the age range, as all children will progress at their own pace. As a guide:Nursery (age up to 4):Oxford Level 1 = Book Band Lilac.Oxford Level 1+ = Book Band Pink.Reception (age 4-5):Oxford Level 1 = Book Band Lilac.Oxford Level 1+ = Book Band Pink.Oxford Level 2 = Book Band Red.Oxford Level 3 = Book Band Yellow.Oxford Level 4 = Book Band Light Blue.Year 1 (age 5-6):Oxford Level 4 = Book Band Light Blue.Oxford Level 5 = Book Band Green.Oxford Level 6 = Book Band Orange.Oxford Level 7 = Book Band Turquoise.Year 2 (age 6-7):Oxford Level 7 = Book Band Turquoise.Oxford Level 8 = Book Band Purple.Oxford Level 9 = Book Band Gold.Oxford Level 10 = Book Band White.Oxford Level 11 = Book Band Lime.Oxford Level: 12 = Book Band Lime+.Year 3 (age 7-8):Oxford Level 8 = Book Band Brown.Oxford Level 9 = Book Band Brown.Oxford Level 10 = Book Band Brown.Oxford Level 11 = Book Band Brown.Oxford Level 12 = Book Band Grey.Oxford Level 13 = Book Band Grey.Oxford Level 14 = Book Band Grey.Year 4 (age 8-9):Oxford Level 14 = Book Band Grey.Oxford Level 15 = Book Band Dark Blue.Oxford Level 16 = Book Band Dark Blue.Year 5 (age 9-10):Oxford Level 16 = Book Band Dark Blue.Oxford Level 17 = Book Band Dark Red.Oxford Level 18 = Book Band Dark Red.Year 6 (age 10-11):Oxford Level 18 = Book Band Dark Red.Oxford Level 19 = Book Band Dark Red.Oxford Level 20 = Book Band Dark Red.<h2 data-header-link="Are There Any Other Levels I Should Know About?">Are There Any Other Levels I Should Know About?</h2>Well yes. Oxford Reading Tree has also developed a Read With Oxford series which is designed to encourage children to read more at home. There are six stages which typically can be used for children aged between three and seven. Stage one is for a child taking their first steps into reading, stage two is for early readers to help them grow in confidence, and stage three is for the growing reader. The final three stages are for confident readers who can fully understand what they're reading as well as read proficiently, stage six books typically feature short chapters to challenge children with their reading skills.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e5dc80bb56359b54d9f-girl-reading-library-min.jpeg" alt="Girl reading an oxford reading tree book in her school library." width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f181e5dc80bb56359b54d9f-girl-reading-library-min.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f181e5dc80bb56359b54d9f-girl-reading-library-min.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f181e5dc80bb56359b54d9f-girl-reading-library-min.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e5dc80bb56359b54d9f-girl-reading-library-min.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="What Books Will My Child Be Reading With Oxford Reading Tree?">What Books Will My Child Be Reading with Oxford Reading Tree?</h2>Since the Biff, Chip and Kipper books have been around for over 30 years it's likely you'll recognise some of the books that your children bring home from school if they're using the Oxford Reading Tree children's books. But there are also some new additions you may spot in their book bags. Books like Splash And Squelch (level 3) and Paula The Vet (level 6)– from the Songbirds series – makes wonderful use of rhyming and rhythmic language. The Word Sparks series features both fiction and non-fiction books and the levels are aligned to phonics teaching to help underline what children are learning in class, as well as introducing 300 ambitious words to help further children's reading practice. The Biff, Chip and Kipper Decode and Develop series aims to bridge the gap between Floppy's Phonics (and books like &nbsp;Cats (level 1+) and Leek Hotpot (level 3) and the Biff, Chip and Kipper stories (such as The Magic Key (level 5) and Green Island (level 9). The stories focus on easy to decode phonics, as well as context words to develop stronger reading ability. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e7cd47a2982d780649a-kids-reading-green-grass-field-min.jpeg" alt="Two pre-school boys reading books as part of the Oxford Reading Tree" width="800" height="532" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f181e7cd47a2982d780649a-kids-reading-green-grass-field-min.jpeg 235w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f181e7cd47a2982d780649a-kids-reading-green-grass-field-min.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f181e7cd47a2982d780649a-kids-reading-green-grass-field-min.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f181e7cd47a2982d780649a-kids-reading-green-grass-field-min.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure><h2 data-header-link="What Comes After Oxford Reading Tree?">What Comes After Oxford Reading Tree?</h2>Once a child has completed the Oxford Reading Tree scheme many schools will encourage their pupils to be free readers – that is to select their own stories. To help with this transition many schools may send children home with both stories they have freely picked as well as those from the Oxford Reading Tree.

Boy reading on the floor following the Oxford reading tree

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Once your child starts school it's more than likely they'll start their journey on the Oxford Reading Tree scheme. Here's what every parent needs to know.

Oxford Reading Tree Explained For Parents

Image © Stuart Frisby, under a Creative Commons license.In England during the reign of <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/henry-viii-timeline" target="_blank">King Henry VIII</a>, most ordinary Tudor housing was built with a wooden frame that was then filled with sticks and wet clay in a process known as wattle and daub. As the timber beams were often coated in tar to prevent rotting, this gave these <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/tudor-children-fact-file" target="_blank">Tudor</a> homes a distinctive black and white exterior and examples of these Tudor buildings can still be seen today, some 500 years later. They also normally had a tall chimney, steeply pitched roof that was covered in clay or stone roof tiles and a second storey that overhung the first floor, which was known as a jetty. Have a go at making your very own model of this distinctive form of housing with your kids by following our step by step guide. Not only will these encourage creativity amongst children but it will also spark interesting and educational discussions about life in Tudor times. Have fun! <h2 data-header-link="What Were Tudor Houses Like?">What Were Tudor Houses Like?</h2>Inside a <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/tudor-houses-explained-in-black-and-white" target="_blank">Tudor house</a>, the same black and white pattern could be seen on the walls and many would have an enclosed fireplace. Tudors houses didn't have a toilet inside though, and only the very wealthy could afford carpet. Poor Tudor houses were much more simple than this and were made from straw, dung and mud, usually with one room, with a thatched roof and no windows (since only the rich could afford these). The floor would sometimes be covered with rushes, which are a type of grass, and, although the top of this would be changed, the bottom layers would often be left for many years, making the home smell unpleasant. Rich Tudor houses, however, were made from brick or stone, had many glass windows, and were incredibly large, having enough rooms to entertain guests and house servants. The inside walls were sometimes painted and were decorated with portraits and tapestries. Our model Tudor house tutorial is just one of many teaching ideas that can help your KS2 children learn all about this period of English history so, if you are ready, let's get started making some Tudor house models. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b36f33c58362cda93b99-model-wooden-house.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="A model wooden house with a rack of logs by the front door and stairs to the upper floor." width="1200" height="812" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f58b36f33c58362cda93b99-model-wooden-house.jpeg 231w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f58b36f33c58362cda93b99-model-wooden-house.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f58b36f33c58362cda93b99-model-wooden-house.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f58b36f33c58362cda93b99-model-wooden-house.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b36f33c58362cda93b99-model-wooden-house.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div><figcaption>Image © Capri23auto, under a Creative Commons license.</figcaption></figure><h2 data-header-link="Equipment">Equipment</h2>To Make One Model House, You Will Need:Two cardboard boxes, one should be slightly smaller than the other.Sticky tape.Glue (this can be PVA or glue stick).White paint.Two A4 pieces of white card or foam.Two A4 pieces of black card or foam.Two A4 pieces of brown card or foam.One A4 piece of grey card or foam.A black marker pen.Ruler.Scissors.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b48960a5efd60f8a6790-model-paper-house-on-grass.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="A model house made of card, placed outside on the lawn." width="1200" height="812" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f58b48960a5efd60f8a6790-model-paper-house-on-grass.jpeg 231w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f58b48960a5efd60f8a6790-model-paper-house-on-grass.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f58b48960a5efd60f8a6790-model-paper-house-on-grass.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f58b48960a5efd60f8a6790-model-paper-house-on-grass.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b48960a5efd60f8a6790-model-paper-house-on-grass.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div><figcaption>Image © ugglemamma, under a Creative Commons license.</figcaption></figure><h2 data-header-link="To Make Your Tudor Style House">To Make Your Tudor Style House</h2>1) To begin your Tudor house, first, take your larger box and open up one side so you have two cardboard flaps. These will become the base of your Tudor roof. &nbsp;Bring these together to a point and then tape in place.2) Next, paint each box white and leave to dry. You may need two or three coats of paint to cover each box entirely. 3) Once dry, place your larger box on top of the smaller box and glue in place. This forms the structure for the Tudor house.4) Fold one sheet of white A4 card in half and then stick this on to the roof base of your model. Trim any excess card off from around the edges.5) To make your roof tiles, cut your one piece of brown and the piece of grey card into rectangles measuring approximately 2cm by 3cm. Starting at the bottom of the white card you have just stuck down, glue the tiles on side-by-side to create lines of tiles, making sure they overlap slightly. You can make a repeating pattern with the grey and brown pieces if you like or place them in random order.6) Make the door of your Tudor house by cutting a rectangle from the other piece of brown card and stick it to the front of the bottom box. Use the black pen to draw on a door handle. 7) Next, make the windows of your Tudor house. Use the other piece of white card and cut some rectangular pieces out. You can decide on how many windows you would like depending on how wealthy you think think the people that lived in a house like this may have been! Using the black marker pen, draw diagonal lines in a criss-cross pattern on your rectangles to make them look like glass and then stick them where you would like them on your house.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b4f1ad23b64cedd2e19b-houses-in-tudor-village-grey-clouds.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Houses in a Tudor village on a grey, cloudy day." width="1200" height="812" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f58b4f1ad23b64cedd2e19b-houses-in-tudor-village-grey-clouds.jpeg 231w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f58b4f1ad23b64cedd2e19b-houses-in-tudor-village-grey-clouds.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f58b4f1ad23b64cedd2e19b-houses-in-tudor-village-grey-clouds.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f58b4f1ad23b64cedd2e19b-houses-in-tudor-village-grey-clouds.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b4f1ad23b64cedd2e19b-houses-in-tudor-village-grey-clouds.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div><figcaption>Image © Olivier Collet, under a Creative Commons license.</figcaption></figure>8) To make the distinctive beams for your Tudor house, cut the black card into strips approximately 1cm wide and stick these to the exterior walls of your model. These don't have to be perfectly straight lines as they would have been hand-carved on real Tudor houses. The beams should run vertically and horizontally but you can choose exactly how your beams are placed. Cut some narrower half centimetre strips to stick around the windows and door frame to complete your Tudor house. <h2 data-header-link="Tips And Tricks">Tips And Tricks</h2>Craft teaching ideas like this are a great way to explore the Tudors for kids and can certainly help you learn all about how people lived back then. As a variation to the model you have built, you could try cutting three out of the four sides of the front of the house to create a hinged door and then decorate the inside of the building to replicate what houses of the time would have looked like. You can add beams to the inside walls and even create the fire, bits of furniture and belongings from cardboard and other recyclable materials like milk bottle tops and wrappers. As there were huge differences in the wealth of Tudor people, there are a variety of Tudor house models you could have fun making with your children. Why not also build the richest and poorest Tudor houses to make an entire town and compare the differences in how people lived?Next time you are out, &nbsp;you could even try spotting Tudor buildings in the area and see how similar they are to the model you made.

Tudor style houses on the street with their black and white design.

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A fantastic history-based school project to complete with children, this tutorial gives step by step instructions on how to make a realistic Tudor house model.

How To Make A Tudor House Model With Kids

Image © dassel, under a Creative Commons license.If your kids are learning all about the Vikings this term and you're keen to get involved, Kidadl are here to help.Perhaps start with a basic Viking <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/viking-timeline-ks2-everything-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">timeline</a> and then jump into one of the most iconic parts of the period - the Viking <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/articles/viking-longships-ks2-everything-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">longboats</a>. Viking longships were an incredible feat of design and engineering: they were double-ended for manoeuvrability, utilised both oarsmen and sails for speed and easy navigation and, most famously, displayed a decorative head piece to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies. Why not bring this amazing Viking longboat to life with our easy guide to cut and construct a Viking ship model? Learning how to make a Viking ship will develop kids' creative talents whilst sparking fascinating discussions about the Viking period in history - what's not to love?<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b8735c9a79bc93bfcdcd-boy-wearing-viking-helmet-smiling.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Young boy wearing a Viking helmet on his head smiling." width="1200" height="812" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f58b8735c9a79bc93bfcdcd-boy-wearing-viking-helmet-smiling.jpeg 231w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f58b8735c9a79bc93bfcdcd-boy-wearing-viking-helmet-smiling.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f58b8735c9a79bc93bfcdcd-boy-wearing-viking-helmet-smiling.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f58b8735c9a79bc93bfcdcd-boy-wearing-viking-helmet-smiling.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b8735c9a79bc93bfcdcd-boy-wearing-viking-helmet-smiling.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div><figcaption>Image © melly17, under a Creative Commons license.</figcaption></figure><h2 data-header-link="Supplies">Supplies </h2>To make a Viking boat, the perfect school project, you will need:Scissors, craft knife. Glue, tape. Cardboard or cereal box.Coloured card or felt.Split pins.Cocktail sticks. A bamboo kebab skewer. Paint or felt tips. <h2 data-header-link="Step 1 - Prepare The Pieces">Step 1 - Prepare The Pieces </h2>First, you'll need to cut sections out of cardboard to make a Viking ship. You can find some great templates online that will allow you to print or trace the shapes you'll need and help you get the right sizes and proportions. But as a guide, you'll need:A long, thin-ish rectangular base with a pointed triangle at each end. Two long strips of card, roughly as wide as your base, which will form the sides - don't forget to make them long enough to fold around the pointed ends. Cardboard strips a few centimetres wider then the base to make the seats (the amount you need will vary depending on how long you've made your boat). Cardboard paddle shapes to make the oars (the amount you need will vary depending on how long you've made your boat).<h2 data-header-link="Step 2 - Construct The Viking Ship">Step 2 - Construct The Viking Ship</h2>Now you have the basic cardboard elements you need, it's time to make a Viking ship! It's easier to use tape for the construction, but we recommend a sturdy tape like duct tape, rather than the normal clear sellotape you'd use for wrapping presents. If you can get hold of a patterned or coloured duct tape, even better. Take each side piece, and make a fold at each end - you want both pieces to be the same. When the folded sections on each side meet each other, it will make the triangular pointed ends of the Viking boat. Once you have them aligned, stick them together with duct tape (you'll probably need more than one pair of hands for this!)Then stick the base to the bottom, using duct tape along the edges to secure.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b8dbbfd7ec657a3a83a1-dad-and-daughter-sat-at-table-making-viking-longboat.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Dad and young daughter sat at the table using paper to make a Viking longboat model." width="1200" height="812" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f58b8dbbfd7ec657a3a83a1-dad-and-daughter-sat-at-table-making-viking-longboat.jpeg 231w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f58b8dbbfd7ec657a3a83a1-dad-and-daughter-sat-at-table-making-viking-longboat.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f58b8dbbfd7ec657a3a83a1-dad-and-daughter-sat-at-table-making-viking-longboat.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f58b8dbbfd7ec657a3a83a1-dad-and-daughter-sat-at-table-making-viking-longboat.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b8dbbfd7ec657a3a83a1-dad-and-daughter-sat-at-table-making-viking-longboat.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div><figcaption>Image © pressfoto, freepik.com, under a Creative Commons license.</figcaption></figure><h2 data-header-link="Step 3 - The Head And Tail">Step 3 - The Head And Tail</h2>Now it's time to make the intimidating dragon head!Draw the outline of a head from the side onto cardboard: it needs an ear, large snout and long neck. You also need to include a bit of chest and body, enough to create a tab which you can secure to the ship. Then carefully cut the shape out. You can use scissors, but as it has some fiddly elements, it may be easier to use a craft knife (make sure an adult does this part). Then trace around it onto another piece of card and cut out to create two identical dragon heads. Repeat the process to make the tail. Draw an outline, you could make it curled or pointy, and cut it out, remembering again to leave an extra tab to allow you to secure the tail to the ship. Trace and cut the second tail. Now glue the two head pieces together, and the two tail pieces together, leaving the tabs at the bottom unglued. Finally, glue the head to the front of the Viking ship, and tail to the back, using the tabs. <h2 data-header-link="Step 4 - The Seats">Step 4 - The Seats</h2>Take your cardboard seat strips and fold each end to make a tab. Put some glue onto each tab and secure them inside the Viking ship. Make sure you space the seats out evenly all the way down the length of the boat. <h2 data-header-link="Step 5 - The Sail">Step 5 - The Sail </h2>You can use coloured card or felt to make the sail. Cut a large rectangle of your chosen material and ask kids to decorate it. They could choose the famous red and white stripes, or use their imaginations to create a pattern of their choice. Once the sail is ready, poke a small hole on each side and push the kebab skewer through them. Push the sides towards each other a little to give the sail shape, like it's catching the wind, and secure with tape. &nbsp;Poke another small hole through the middle seat inside the ship, and push the skewer through. Secure either with a strong glue (like superglue or using a glue gun) or with some more tape. &nbsp; <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:1200px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b961d96d94b9148a7dd3-family-sat-at-table-building-model-viking-longboat.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Family looking at how to make a model Viking longboat." width="1200" height="812" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f58b961d96d94b9148a7dd3-family-sat-at-table-building-model-viking-longboat.jpeg 231w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f58b961d96d94b9148a7dd3-family-sat-at-table-building-model-viking-longboat.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f58b961d96d94b9148a7dd3-family-sat-at-table-building-model-viking-longboat.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/large_5f58b961d96d94b9148a7dd3-family-sat-at-table-building-model-viking-longboat.jpeg 1000w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f58b961d96d94b9148a7dd3-family-sat-at-table-building-model-viking-longboat.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px"></div><figcaption>Image © &nbsp;bearfotos, freepik.com, under a Creative Commons license.</figcaption></figure><h2 data-header-link="Step 6 - Viking Shields">Step 6 - Viking Shields </h2>Cut some circles of coloured card, a little smaller than the depth of the side of your Viking longship. These will be the shields which kids can decorate, either by looking up pictures of traditional Viking shields and copying them, or just by using their imaginations. Poke a hole in the middle of the first shield and poke a corresponding hole in the side of the ship. Fasten the shield to the side using a split pin. Repeat all the way down each side of the Viking longship. &nbsp;<h2 data-header-link="Step 7 - The Oars">Step 7 - The Oars </h2>Glue or tape a cocktail stick onto each cardboard paddle shape to create an oar (if you're using thick corrugated cardboard instead of a cereal box, you might even just be able to poke the stick inside).Then poke each stick into your Viking boat, making sure they're evenly spaced down each side. <h2 data-header-link="Step 8 - Decorate">Step 8 - Decorate </h2>Let kids add those all-important final details to their Viking longship. They can use pens or paints to give the dragon some character, and decorate the sides of the ship to create a longboat Vikings would be proud of. &nbsp;Top tip: Why not challenge yourself to make your longship float on water? Cover the base with duct tape to make it a little more waterproof, then secure some floats (you could try corks or empty water bottles) and you're ready to sail! &nbsp;

A miniature model Viking longboat with the Norwegian flag as the sails.

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Enjoy some creative family time and bring history to life with our guide to the ultimate cool craft: how to make a Viking longboat.

How To Make A Viking Longboat Model With Kids

One way to keep your young ones learning all about the past whilst off school is through online history games. Kids will love being able to get in touch with the past through play, and will discover heaps of new knowledge about history. To help you keep your kids learning all about history, Kidadl have picked out the best history games for young ones to play.As well as being great fun for your young ones, <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/best-free-online-educational-games-for-ks2-kids">online games</a> can also be a fantastic educational resource.History games are full of ways for your kids to learn about the past, and from the ancient world to the twentieth century, each period of history offers new and exciting ways to keep young ones entertained. Whether through answering historical trivia questions, solving puzzles, or stepping into brilliantly-recreated versions of the past, these historically-themed games offer tonnes of ways to keep your kids engaged with the past while <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/more-homeschool-myths-busted">learning from home</a>.<h2>Preschool</h2>Busy Things History Games<a href="https://www.busythings.co.uk/families/subjects/history">Busy Things</a> offer a range of historically themed games for children of all ages. In particular, their activities for pre-school-aged kids are a fantastic way to get kids interested in history through play. Young ones will love tasks such as designing their own medieval knight's shield, which allows them to get creative whilst learning about the past. Through these fun activities, kids' imaginations will be sparked and they can discover their favourite period of history. With all kinds of topics, such as the medieval period, pirates and aboriginal paintings, this is a fantastic resource to help kids learn about the past.<h2>Key Stage 1</h2>The Great Fire of London<div class="raw-html-embed">Designed by the Museum of London, <a href="https://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/game/" rel="nofollow"> this interactive game </a> allows kids to learn all about one of British history's most famous events. The website brilliantly summarises the events around the fire, and is full of information about seventeenth-century London. The game itself gives children a chance to gain an experience of what life must have been like for people at the time of the fire. They will help the main character, an eight-year-old called Tom Porter, to try to fight the fire and make their way to the safety of the Thames. As well as being packed full of interesting facts and trivia about the period, the game also helps kids to learn about how we know about the past and using historical evidence.</div>BBC BitesizeBBC Bitesize's <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf49q6f">website</a> offers a huge range of resources to keep your young ones learning about history. The individual 'lessons' offered include loads of educational games to help kids learn about important topics from across world history. These include games to help kids learn about important figures, such as Nelson Mandela or Rosa Parks as well as great resources on specific periods such as the Romans or the Medieval world. The individual games are each linked to a video lesson, so children will be able to put the knowledge to the test through play, which will make this a great way for your little ones to find &nbsp;out all about their favourite periods of history while having fun.<h2>Key Stage 2</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5eb94fc964d3c4b927d7a3f6-5-1.jpeg" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5eb94fc964d3c4b927d7a3f6-5-1.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5eb94fc964d3c4b927d7a3f6-5-1.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5eb94fc964d3c4b927d7a3f6-5-1.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5eb94fc964d3c4b927d7a3f6-5-1.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure>The Children's University of ManchesterThe <a href="https://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/learning-activities/history/">Children's University of Manchester</a> offers a brilliant set of online learning resources for Key Stage 2 children. Their History section offers interactive games on topics such as Ancient Greece and Black British History, including quizzes, and word searches based on trivia about famous figures from history. The Black British History game in particular is a great way for kids to find out about an often overlooked topic. Best of all, to prove that they are an expert in the field, your little ones can print out a certificate once they have completed every lesson.The TudorsThis brilliant <a href="http://www.tudorbritain.org/default.htm">website</a>, created by the <a href="https://www.kidadl.com/venue/v-a-museum">V&amp;A Museum</a> and the National Archives, is full of interactive resources to help your KS2 children find out about the Tudors. The site includes educational games, such as working with real objects and sources from the Tudor period to answer questions, &nbsp;helping young ones to get a sense of what life was like during the Tudor period. You will also find fun history games such as Jousting, where your little ones will be able to (safely) test out their skills as a knight whilst also discovering the reasons jousting tournaments were held and who would take part. With lots of other amazing educational resources such as discovering about trade and Tudor pastimes, any children with a love for this particular period of history will have loads of fun, whilst also being able to take in all kinds of new knowledge about the Tudors.<h2>Key Stage 3</h2>History MysteryScholastic's <a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/histmyst/index.asp">History Mystery</a> game offers a fun way for Key Stage 3 kids to discover history from all kinds of different periods. In this game, kids must follow the clues in each question, identifying the historical subject or name to solve the mystery. This is a great way for kids to have fun whilst also picking up independence and problem-solving skills. If your young ones like testing themselves, then they can try to work out the answer with as few clues as possible! Once they have figured out the answer to the question, the site then gives kids a fact file on the historical figure, making this a fantastic resource to keep your young ones learning about history whilst school is closed. The game covers all kinds of historical topics, including African-American history, the industrial revolution and the ancient Egyptians.Walk the PlankSchool History's <a href="https://schoolhistory.co.uk/">website</a> offers a number of resources to help young people learn history. The site includes games such as Walk the Plank, in which the player has to answer multiple-choice questions on history - see if you can avoid getting them wrong, or fall off the plank! Young ones will love testing themselves and improving their knowledge of all kinds of subjects, such as Revolutionary Russia, the Normans, and the French Revolution. The pre-prepared questions will ensure that your children become familiar with the key questions on a particular topic, making this one of the best resources to keep your young ones' historical knowledge refreshed outside of school!&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Take a step back in time and get in touch with the past through incredible online history games.

I Gamed, I Saw, I Conquered: The Best History Games For Kids By Age Group 

After the last couple of months of lockdown, we're sure you've got homeschooling all figured out by now.However, <a href="https://kidadl.com/uk-education/history">History</a> can be a difficult subject to <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/best-advice-homeschooling-right-now" target="_blank">teach from home</a> if it's not something that you know much about. One thing we can be sure of is that kids love to get messy - so history craft activities should be a great place to start!So, if you're looking to spruce up your learning to keep the kids entertained and enjoying lessons, why not try some hands-on learning activities? Whether your child is a kinaesthetic learner or not, we think that it's always a great idea to involve a craft activity in learning - as it is a fun and memorable way of exploring the subject matter.<h2>Preschoolers History Ideas</h2>1) Try the Famous Artist Crafts for Kids from The Crafty Classroom, for kids to recreate the works of famous artists with these fun tutorials! They will learn about art history in the process of creating their own artworks - everything from Monet to Pollock. All you'll need is some paper, and pens or paint.2) Fancy teaching your children about the Ancient Egyptians? Young kids will have a great time practising or learning their alphabet letters, numbers, and more during this activity with a fun history twist with the free printable preschool worksheets for toddlers and preschoolers from 123homeschool4me.com - just search 'FREE Ancient Egypt Worksheets'.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f104f91cac3be5ffa6e11a7-mother-and-daughter-making-clay-figures.jpeg" alt="Mum and daughter making history craft learning activities" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f104f91cac3be5ffa6e11a7-mother-and-daughter-making-clay-figures.jpeg 104w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f104f91cac3be5ffa6e11a7-mother-and-daughter-making-clay-figures.jpeg 334w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f104f91cac3be5ffa6e11a7-mother-and-daughter-making-clay-figures.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f104f91cac3be5ffa6e11a7-mother-and-daughter-making-clay-figures.jpeg 533w" sizes="100vw" width="533"></figure><h2>KS1 History Ideas</h2>1) Let's start by pointing out one of our favourite (and most obvious) resources - BBC Bitesize. They do also do History lessons for other ages, but the KS1 History section is particularly playful and fun! There are tonnes of activities and history games for kids to take part in online and this could easily inspire some craft ideas too.2) Learn how to draw Tutankhamun, the 'Boy King of Ancient Egypt'. He’s a great figure to study and draw for the upper side of KS1, with the simple shape and bold golds and blues of his figurine tomb. Help the kids understand as much as they can about his role in Ancient Egypt and how his tomb was discovered in 1922 as you draw; it's a great way to set children up for their history lessons going into KS2.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f104fce5868e8b528281b70-child-creating-learning-resource.jpeg" alt="Child making craft learning activities for kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f104fce5868e8b528281b70-child-creating-learning-resource.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f104fce5868e8b528281b70-child-creating-learning-resource.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f104fce5868e8b528281b70-child-creating-learning-resource.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f104fce5868e8b528281b70-child-creating-learning-resource.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure><h2>KS2 History Ideas</h2>1) Try making some beautiful poppies to engage your KS2 child with Remembrance Sunday - Twinkl have some great activities that include a print out of key instructions for kids to follow to ensure they have the perfect poppy. All you will need is red and black tissue paper, a cotton bud, green paint, scissors and tape in order to make the poppy. Poppies can be worn whenever, although traditionally people start to wear poppies eleven days before Remembrance Day, which occurs on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.2) Do your kids know about the history of Stonehenge? Why not try making a model of the world-renowned site! To make the Stonehenge stones (building blocks), you can either collect real rocks that are relatively flat or you can mould your own stones from air dry clay or homemade salt dough - firstpalette.com have a super simple recipe. Have a look at some online images or videos of the amazing space and recreate its formation using the building blocks that you have found or made. Then, arrange the stones onto a solid base of some sort (this could be cardboard or similar) and glue them together using a glue gun (being very careful) or PVA. To make it really realistic, try decorating the base to make it look like grass and add little visitors!3) Build your own Tudor-style townhouses from boxes! Teach the kids about the design of the traditional houses, which were often made from timber beams with an overhanging upper storey bigger than the ground level. This project will help kids better understand the old Tudor world, as well as building their teamwork skills. After making their Tudor houses, why not take a trip to see some real-life Tudor houses once lockdown is over? Kids will love to compare the authenticity of theirs and to see them in real life. You'll find free instructions and images of the craft idea on bakerross.co.uk.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f1050018f6aa22ab73a80dd-young-toddler-boy-male-investigating-touching-and-exploring-a-historic-model.jpeg" alt="Boy looking at history craft learning activities model" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f1050018f6aa22ab73a80dd-young-toddler-boy-male-investigating-touching-and-exploring-a-historic-model.jpeg 117w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f1050018f6aa22ab73a80dd-young-toddler-boy-male-investigating-touching-and-exploring-a-historic-model.jpeg 375w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f1050018f6aa22ab73a80dd-young-toddler-boy-male-investigating-touching-and-exploring-a-historic-model.jpeg 563w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f1050018f6aa22ab73a80dd-young-toddler-boy-male-investigating-touching-and-exploring-a-historic-model.jpeg 600w" sizes="100vw" width="600"></figure><h2>KS3 History Ideas</h2>1) With the recent VE Day 75th anniversary, many of you will be looking for a way to teach the kids more about the war or solidify what they learnt in Year 6. So, how about making some World War 2 top trumps? Each card represents a country, and they can be ranked however the kids see fit - they could use 'army size', 'country size', 'number of battle wins', etc. Encourage them to do their own research to find out about each country, and then make the top trumps out of small rectangular pieces of card. Draw an image to represent each country at the top and then show their stats underneath. During this fun activity, they will hopefully be able to expand their knowledge of World War 2, particularly if they're older.2) The Bayeux Tapestry was a large embroidered piece created to tell the story of the Norman invasion through images. Think of it as a timeline of a picture-based story - this will help to inspire your craft! During lockdown, a lot will have changed for your kids and they're bound to have their own unique and fun stories to tell. So why not encourage them to tell their own tales this way? Using a long strip of paper (old wallpaper is ideal) and pens and paints to decorate, they can create their own Bayeaux Tapestry about their lockdown journeys. Whilst referring back to the tapestry itself for inspiration, kids will find out about the processes involved, the stories behind it and why it's still taught in schools today. BBC Teach has a six-part animated series of the Norman Invasion as another way to teach your kids.

siblings creating history craft learning activities for kids

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Try these history craft activities kids of all ages will love if you're running out of ways to keep the kids entertained.

History Craft Learning Activities For Kids

Transport your kids around the world with these fun geography themed activities.Let your kids have fun with these great craft activities which will enhance their geography-based <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/educational-youtube-channels-kids">learning</a>, explore around the world and even strengthen some skills. There are so many things on earth that are worth exploring and are essential to your children's learning and growth.If you're looking for a great way for your children to do their social studies then search no further; these geography <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/magical-harry-potter-crafts-activities">crafts</a> will get your kids thinking and learning about the world around them.<h2>Geography Crafts For Preschoolers</h2>Make Your Own Earth PuzzleIt is important from a young age that your children become familiar with the earth and its world map. Being able to recognise continents is an integral part of starting your geography journey around the world. This is a really simple and fun way to help your kids get creative and create their own map puzzle!Draw the Earth on a piece of thick cardboard - use an atlas or a picture from the internet to ensure your world map is as accurate as possible. It might be worth drawing the outline for your children and then allowing them to paint it or colour it in as they wish. Encourage your children to colour each continent in a different colour so that they can be distinguished from each other.Now you need to cut round eat continent so that it can be removed from the map. This is another activity for the parent as it will require using a knife, scalpel or sharp scissors to remove each continent.Then, all you need to do is place a push pin or thumbtack in each of the continents and you have your very own world map puzzle. Write the names of each continent on each one and use this time to teach your kids about the different places around the world. Pinpoint major countries, animals and cultures to each continent that are interesting and relevant to your children.Create A Circle Chart<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f049d6e1a0d97b95e0924c7-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-2.jpeg" alt="geography craft activities kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f049d6e1a0d97b95e0924c7-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-2.jpeg 224w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f049d6e1a0d97b95e0924c7-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f049d6e1a0d97b95e0924c7-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-2.jpeg 721w" sizes="100vw" width="721"></figure>While learning about the world it is also important for your kids to know about the geography of their own lives and where they are in the world. This geography craft is a really fun way to help your kids learn their address and discover more about their home town and country. The way this works is by cutting out circles from different coloured card and decreasing size so they all place one on top of the other:Cut out 8 circles from the different coloured card, each one smaller than the next. You want all your circles to be on top of each other with the top of the circles meeting up and being able to see all the other circles beneath it.Label each circle at the bottom these labels starting with the smallest: Me, My Home, My Town, My County, My Country, My Continent, My Planet and lastly (the biggest circle), My Place in Space.The circles should be placed on top of each other in such a way that all the circles can be held at the top and all the labels at the bottom of each circle are visible.Then hole punch the top of all the circles in the same place and tie them together with string. This should leave you with a pile of circles that can be moved from side to side and reveal a picture underneath.Now you can fill your relevant circle chart in! Get your children to fill in each circle with drawings and annotations to help them learn about all the things about their home address!Top Tip: This is also a good exercise for KS1 children who haven't learnt their addresses yet.<h2>Around The World With KS1</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f049de6c2fbdcfbe47ab6e6-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-3.jpeg" alt="geography craft activities kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f049de6c2fbdcfbe47ab6e6-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-3.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f049de6c2fbdcfbe47ab6e6-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f049de6c2fbdcfbe47ab6e6-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f049de6c2fbdcfbe47ab6e6-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-3.jpeg 799w" sizes="100vw" width="799"></figure>Create a Life Cycle or Water Cycle PostersMost things around the world work in cycles; whether it's plants, animals or even the water around us. This geography crafts activity will help your kids explore the cycles in social studies of the world.Pick something in the world that has a cycle, preferably something that your kids like or have an interest in; this could be the life cycle of a sunflower, a caterpillar or even the cycle of how rain is formed.Then research your cycle so that your whole family now knows the ins and outs of your chosen cycle. Next, challenge kids to create a colourful and exciting poster that will map out the life of their chosen specimen.Top Tip: You could even make this a family activity and pick different things to explore as a great way to get your family together and learn about the fun side of geography!<h2>Great Geography Activities For KS2</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f049e947cbf81a94f11b579-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-4.jpeg" alt="geography craft activities kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f049e947cbf81a94f11b579-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-4.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f049e947cbf81a94f11b579-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f049e947cbf81a94f11b579-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f049e947cbf81a94f11b579-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-4.jpeg 800w" sizes="100vw" width="800"></figure>Papier Mache GlobePapier Mache is a really fun and easy craft activity that only uses 4 ingredients: a balloon, strips of newspaper, flour and water. Mix your flour and water so that is it a thick and runny consistency. Then dip your strips of newspaper in the mixture and paste it all over the balloon so that it is entirely covered in newspaper strips.Once the newspaper is dry, the sphere shape should become solid and then you can pop the balloon inside to be left with a globe. Then decorate your globes and map out the world's seas and continents so you can learn while you craft.Make Your Own Volcano<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409132c96a033d9-stem-activities-2.jpeg" alt="geography craft activities kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ec267168409132c96a033d9-stem-activities-2.jpeg 235w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ec267168409132c96a033d9-stem-activities-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ec267168409132c96a033d9-stem-activities-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ec267168409132c96a033d9-stem-activities-2.jpeg 800w" sizes="100vw" width="800"></figure>Engage your kids in some physical geography by teaching them about the formation of volcanoes; one of the natural phenomena of this world. While there is a lot of science behind the formation of volcanoes it is easy to explain to a young audience because of the simple structure of tectonic plates.Teach your kids about their formation before you make your very own erupting volcano with this easy guide. Feel free to get creative and explore different materials to use for your structure without using clay if you don't have any; the main event is the eruption anyway!<h2>Explore The Earth With KS3</h2><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f049eb757a8bde88aa90270-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-6.jpeg" alt="geography craft activities kids" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f049eb757a8bde88aa90270-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-6.jpeg 208w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f049eb757a8bde88aa90270-geography-craft-learning-activities-that-rock-6.jpeg 500w" sizes="100vw" width="500"></figure>Food InvestigationThere is so much to explore when it comes to the origins and productions of food. Why not let your kids search where their favourite foods come from in this fun investigation research project.<div class="raw-html-embed">You could start by picking your favourite family recipe and exploring where each ingredient in that recipe comes from. Use this <a href="https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/" rel="nofollow">interactive map </a> to help you discover the biggest producers of each food by tapping the add layer button and scrolling down to food. When the research is finished why not create your very own world food map poster to hang in your kitchen for everyone to see.</div>This can easily be a family project to do together and why stop at food? Search through animal ranges or human population to extend your kids' knowledge and enjoy these geography craft activities as a great way to extend your map skills at home.Top Tip: Why not get the kids to develop their cooking skills too, and learn how to make recipes from the countries they are looking at?Draw a Map Of An Imaginary Island!Engage your children with geography crafts that will stretch your kid's imagination. Learn map reading skills with your kids and then use this to also make your very own map of your imaginary island. Use a key and symbols to denote key features of the island so your imaginary guests can find their way around, and perhaps even search for treasure!

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Get your world goggles on with these geography craft activities kids will love!

7 Geography Craft Learning Activities That Rock

What better way to ease the boredom of lockdown than by surrounding yourself with a pile of books and losing yourself in a good story? Books are a brilliant way to while away the hours at home as a family without resorting to yet more screen-time. From the physical experience of turning a page to the excitement of reading a new book for the first time, reading in Year 1 is all about having fun and building confidence. Before you hunker down, do check out this guide to building <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/articles/make-your-own-reading-den" target="_blank">the perfect reading den idea for kids</a> and don't forget that you can <a href="https://blog.kidadl.com/online-events/listen-to-stories-every-day-with-a-childrens-author" target="_blank">listen to stories every day with a children's author</a>.Whether children are already confident readers, racing through pages as quickly as they can, or only just getting to grips with reading, introducing them to new books and making sure they always have something interesting to read is a great way to encourage a love of learning and reading. To encourage that, we've put together the ultimate reading list for you and your little ones. <h2 data-header-link="What Books Should Year 1 Be Reading?">What Books Should Year 1 Be Reading?</h2>Children in Year 1 learn to read at different rates, but giving them plenty of books to choose from helps encourage independent reading skills. We've picked out some great books to appeal to children in Year 1 in this list, but children of all ages can still enjoy these books.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f38828c20ee95eeeaf3f1-books-for-year-1-kids-5.jpeg" alt="year 1 kid reading" width="799" height="533" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0f38828c20ee95eeeaf3f1-books-for-year-1-kids-5.jpeg 234w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0f38828c20ee95eeeaf3f1-books-for-year-1-kids-5.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0f38828c20ee95eeeaf3f1-books-for-year-1-kids-5.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f38828c20ee95eeeaf3f1-books-for-year-1-kids-5.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr Sophie and her mum are having tea when the doorbell rings and teatime goes awry – they weren’t expecting a tiger!Alfie And The Birthday Surprise by Shirley Hughes Alfie thinks his neighbour, Mr MacNally, could do with cheering up, so he organises a birthday surprise – but what could it be?This Is Not A Bedtime Story by Will Mabbitt A great bedtime story for Year 1 children to practice their reading skills. Oh No, George by Chris Haughton George tries to be good in this funny storybook that’s great for reading aloud.The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers Follow the adventures of a boy who finds an aeroplane in his cupboard and decides to see how high he can fly it.Mister Magnolia by Quentin Blake Follow the adventures of Mr Magnolia in this classic rhyming picture book.<h2 data-header-link="What Are The Best Books For Beginners?">What Are The Best Books For Beginners?</h2>Reading books is a tricky skill. Children in Year 1 are just beginning to get to grips with reading for themselves, so surround them with plenty of books to practice on – picture books are a good start. In this list, we've picked some great books for children aged between five and six years old.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:799px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5ee757a9d8358e82897c5369-15-interactive-books-for-under-5s-2.jpeg" alt="book for year 1 kid" width="799" height="529" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5ee757a9d8358e82897c5369-15-interactive-books-for-under-5s-2.jpeg 236w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5ee757a9d8358e82897c5369-15-interactive-books-for-under-5s-2.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5ee757a9d8358e82897c5369-15-interactive-books-for-under-5s-2.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5ee757a9d8358e82897c5369-15-interactive-books-for-under-5s-2.jpeg 799w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>Elmer by David McKee This 30th birthday edition of David McKee's picture book about Elmer the elephant is a great book to encourage reading aloud.Socks by Elizabeth Lindsay and Nick Sharratt From sockodiles to Goldisocks, Year 1 readers will love this rhyming story about everyone’s favourite thing to wear on their feet!Little Monster Did It by Helen Cooper In this story about a new baby, Little Monster does naughty things but Amy gets the blame.Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown A true classic, this soothing book is just the ticket to help children drift off to sleep at bedtime.Tad by Benji DaviesTad is a book about a tiny tadpole in a big pond and a lovely coming of age story. The Chocolate Monster by Pip Jones and Laura Hughes There’s a reward of a hundred thousand chocolate bars if you can catch the chocolate monster and find his chocolate hoard!Awesome Jokes That Every 6 Year Old Should Know! by Mat Waugh and Yurko Rymar Jam-packed with jokes for six-year-olds, this is a rib-ticklingly funny read.<h2 data-header-link="What Is A Good Book To Read For Year 1 Children?">What Is A Good Book To Read For Year 1 Children?</h2>Children love listening to grown-ups reading books. And you don't have to wait until bedtime to read to your child – if you have a child in Year 1, they'll love being read to at any time of day. In this list, we've put together a selection of books that we think five and six-year-olds will find especially fun to listen to. <figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f38c40a6cde789f38fff6-books-for-year-1-kids-4.jpeg" alt="best books for 5 year olds" width="800" height="532" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0f38c40a6cde789f38fff6-books-for-year-1-kids-4.jpeg 235w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0f38c40a6cde789f38fff6-books-for-year-1-kids-4.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0f38c40a6cde789f38fff6-books-for-year-1-kids-4.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f38c40a6cde789f38fff6-books-for-year-1-kids-4.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>The Puffin Book Of Stories For Five-Year-Olds by Wendy Cooling and Steve Cox A wonderful collection of seventeen exciting stories by much-loved writers – perfect for reading aloud to children in Year 1.The Hodgeheg by Dick King-Smith Max the hedgehog is determined to find a way to cross the very busy road to reach the park – will he succeed?The Rhythm Of The Rain by Grahame Baker-Smith Beautifully-illustrated on every page, this non-fiction book captures the mystery and majesty of the water cycle from raindrops to the ocean.Winnie And Wilbur Under The Sea by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul Follow Winnie and Wilbur as they go on a lively adventure under the sea. Dougal's Deep-Sea Diary by Simon Bartram Join Dougal on his search among the mermaids and sea creatures for the lost city of Atlantis in this page book.Today I’m A Monster by Agnes Green Angry feelings come and go but love and acceptance are here to stay – that’s the lesson at the heart of this compassionate book about emotions.The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster Follow Milo on a magical journey in his car through the phantom tollbooth.The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me by Roald Dahl When Billy finds a giraffe, a pelly and a monkey living inside a weird old wooden house he creates the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company!The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton Join Joe, Beth and Frannie as they explore the Enchanted Wood on the doorstep of their new home.Mr Grumpy’s Motorcar by John Burningham An enchanting book that’s beautifully illustrated and sure to make the list of family favourites.My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength by Niels van Hove Introduce your child to the idea of developing mental strength in this innovative book.Polly Hopper And The Time Dreams by Andrew Gunn This chapter book about Polly Hopper and the dream world she inhabits is ideal for keen readers to listen to.Toto The Ninja Cat And The Great Snake Escape by Dermot O’Leary and Nick East Toto and Silver seem like ordinary cats but they have late-night ninja adventures in London – can they find the giant snake?The Complete Adventures Of Clever Polly And The Stupid Wolf by Catherine Storr Follow Polly as she outwits the wolf in every one of these enchanting stories.Grandpa Mudcake And The Angry Chihuahua by Sophia J. Ferguson Find out what happens in this quirky picture book when Grandpa Mudcake takes Tony the chihuahua to the park.Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans by Jessie Miller Rooster loves his skinny jeans but the other animals laugh at him for wearing them – and then he looks in the mirror.Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae A delightful book about Gerald the giraffe finding acceptance as an outsider.<figure class="w-richtext-figure-type-image w-richtext-align-fullwidth" style="max-width:800px"><div><img src="https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f38fa439e6553fa82c0c9-books-for-year-1-kids-3.jpeg" alt="reading to key stage 1 kids" width="800" height="450" srcset="https://media.kidadl.com/thumbnail_5f0f38fa439e6553fa82c0c9-books-for-year-1-kids-3.jpeg 245w,https://media.kidadl.com/small_5f0f38fa439e6553fa82c0c9-books-for-year-1-kids-3.jpeg 500w,https://media.kidadl.com/medium_5f0f38fa439e6553fa82c0c9-books-for-year-1-kids-3.jpeg 750w,https://media.kidadl.com/5f0f38fa439e6553fa82c0c9-books-for-year-1-kids-3.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1012px) 100vw, 620px" loading="lazy"></div></figure>The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright and Jim Field Sharing isn’t easy but two greedy squirrels learn how to stop squabbling in this laugh-out-loud storybook.Poo In The Zoo by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey Bob the ZooKeeper is tired of scooping up poo until a glowing poop appears out of nowhere – where did it come from?The Girl, The Bear, And The Magic Shoes by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks Josephine has some lovely new running shoes and they turn out to be magic!Emily Brown And The Thing by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton A strange splish-splosh noise is keeping Emily Brown and her rabbit, Stanley, awake but they’re determined to find out who’s making the noise.Centrally Heated Knickers by Michael Rosen A delightfully funny anthology of one hundred poems about science and technology.My Scruff by Simon James A glorious story about belonging and the importance of friendship – especially of the furry kind.A New Home For A Pirate by Ronda Armitage and Holly Swain A funny book about a pirate who always feels seasick!Once Upon A Wild Wood by Chris Riddell A familiar fairy tale with a new modern twist that is sure to enthrall young readers and parents alike. The Queen’s Spaghetti by Patricia Cleveland-Peck Ideal for reading aloud to children, this adorable book reveals what happens when Queen Nellie makes too much spaghetti!Chicken Nugget by Michelle Robinson There’s something fishy – or foxy – about little Chicken Nugget's long-lost-cousin Franz – is he who he claims to be?Superhero Dad by Timothy Knapman and Joe Berger Children who are afraid of the dark will love this book about superhero dads – their super snores can be heard miles away!Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival Ravi the tiger can usually control his temper but not today – in this picture book, he’s about to learn about expressing himself and saying sorry.The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd and Sara Ogilvie This chapter book is a whimsical story about finding magic in the most unexpected places.The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy Join Mildred Hubble for her first year at boarding school – Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches!Worms! Dirty Bertie by Alan MacDonald and David Roberts Bertie is a boy with disgusting manners who is always up to no good.Mummy Fairy And Me by Sophie Kinsella and Marta Kissi<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mummy-Fairy-Me-Sophie-Kinsella/dp/0141377887/ref=sr_1_6" target="_blank"> </a>Ella Brook’s mummy might look like a normal mummy but she’s not – she can turn into a fairy!Whatever Next by Jill Murphy A delightful picture book about a baby bear who finds a rocket, makes friends with an owl and goes to the moon for a picnic.What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, And Protecting Our Planet by Jess French Support your child's learning with this book about our impact on Planet Earth – did you know that every plastic toothbrush ever made still exists?Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World by Kate Pankhurst An informative book about inspiring women who have helped protect our natural world.The Bear And The Piano by David Litchfield One day, a young bear stumbles upon a piano in a forest. What happens next will delight young readers.

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Encourage a love of reading by stocking your bookshelves with this selection of the 50 best books for children aged between five and six years old.

50 Best Books For Year One Kids (Aged 5-6)

A white cat with a black patch on its face being stroked on the chin. The cat and hand stroking it are in view.

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Meow! This fun list of the most paw-some children's books about cats has something to keep children of all ages interested.


17 Puurrr-Fect Children's Books About Cats

Education comes in all shapes and sizes, and it’s entirely possible to bring learning to the home in a way that feels exciting and fresh. With these 1,000s of creative tips, virtual tools, STEM-inspired play and expert articles just a click away, it can be fun too.

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