World War 1 Teaching Ideas

Whether you're planning a World War 1 themed day, week or term, try some of our teaching ideas, resources and classroom activities!

Don't forget to download our popular resource pack too.

Teaching Ideas and Resources:

English

• Read the book War Horse by Michael Morpurgo and try some of our related teaching ideas.
• 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):

Maths

• Try these super Year 5 and 6 maths activities from the Trench Brothers.

Science

• 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.

Computing

• Try this Trench Warfare game (requires Flash).

Design Technology

• 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.
• Try making some pinwheel poppies using this template.

Music

• Use this performance pack from the BBC to explore the music of the War and even put on your own performance.
• Learn some WW1 songs, such as Pack up your Troubles.

Geography

• Mark the main battles of WW1 on a map of the world.

History

• Make your own WWI trench models.
• Use our fact cards to research the war. Can you create quiz questions based on them?
• Explore the role of soldiers from ethnic minorities in WW1 with these amazing cross curricular resources from Trench Brothers.
• Make a WW1 timeline of important events. 
• 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 British Legion Assembly Resources to deliver an interesting assembly. 

PSHE

• Why do we have Remembrance Day? Do you think it is important? If possible, visit a local war memorial.