Effective history teaching at Key Stage 1 is rooted in sound learning principles that support young children’s development. At this age, pupils thrive when learning is active, meaningful, and connected to their own experiences. This page explores how established learning principles—such as building on prior knowledge, using storytelling, fostering curiosity, and providing opportunities for talk and play—can be applied to history. By aligning teaching with how children learn best, we can help them make sense of the past, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to understand change and continuity. These principles ensure history is both accessible and inspiring at KS1.
Principle 1 – Effective teaching and learning equip learners for life in its broadest sense
Learning should aim to help individual pupils, and groups, to develop the intellectual, personal and social capabilities that will enable them to participate as active citizens, contribute to economic development and flourish as individuals in a
