Use hot seating to explore the feelings and experiences of some of the people who took part in WW1. This works well if an adult initially models how to play the part and answer questions.
Write a letter home from the trenches. Remember that your letter might be censored if it contains sensitive information!
Read this information about British recruiting posters of the time and design your own, using persuasive techniques to make people want to join up.
Write a diary entry for a soldier in the trenches, or a nurse working on the frontline. This web page contains lots of information about nurses working in different parts of the world during WW1.
Write a newspaper report about the Battle of the Somme or the sinking of the Lusitania.
Write a biography of someone taking part in the war.
Watch this news report about Peter Jackson's colourful World War 1 documentary. Think of some questions that you would like to ask him (or one of the soldiers shown in the video):
Many scientific advances occurred during WW1 as a direct consequence of the war. For example, synthetic rubber was developed in Germany as the allies cut off the supply of natural rubber to the country. Marie Curie developed portable x-ray machines that could be used at the front. Research and make a fact file about one of the scientific advances.
Try this recipe for Trench Stew. Would you like to eat it?
Make some ANZAC biscuits, which were sent to Australian and New Zealand soldiers fighting at Gallipoli. They were designed to have a long shelf life, as they had to travel to the soldiers by sea.
Art
Look at some examples of trench art, such as this jug made from a shell case. Why do you think that soldiers made things like this? Design your own piece of trench art.
Poppies are an important symbol of remembrance. Have a go at making your own using a variety of media, for example collage or pastels.
Make a fact file about the weapons used during the war. This page is a good starting point.
Watch this animation from the BBC to introduce your children to the topic:
Physical education
Try marching to military band music. Can you keep in formation?
Religious education
In 1914, British and German soldiers decided to have a Christmas truce. Find out about this event. Why did it happen? Why do you think it was only for Christmas?
Use this wonderful resource to teach your children about many different aspects of World War I. Get your children involved in the linked competition too!
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