Link it! Prior knowledge - My local area - Year 1

In preparing Year 1 students for a unit about their local area, it's important to assess and build on what they already know. Children at this stage are likely to be familiar with the name of their village, town, or city, and they may have a basic understanding of the role of a post person. They might also recognise that letters need an address and may have encountered the concept of postcodes. Their knowledge could extend to some of the four home countries within the UK and possibly include the name of their own street. This prior knowledge is a valuable foundation for the unit and should be documented in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of the Knowledge Organiser, prompting students to reflect on the question, "What do I know about the UK and where I live?"

Linking this prior knowledge to the upcoming lessons is crucial for a cohesive learning experience. Connections can be made within the same subject area, such as geography, by expanding on the concept of local and national geography. Cross-curricular links might also be made, for example, with history, by exploring the historical significance of their local area, or with literacy, through reading and writing about local landmarks. Personal experiences, such as visits to local places of interest or receiving post, provide a practical context that helps to solidify the children's understanding. By engaging with what they already know, children can more easily relate to and absorb new information about their local area and the wider UK.