Link it! Prior knowledge - Europe - Year 4

When preparing for a unit on Europe with Year 4 students, it's beneficial to tap into their prior knowledge to create a more engaging and relevant learning experience. Children at this stage have likely encountered the continent of Europe during their earlier Key Stage 1 education. They may have personal experiences with Europe, such as holidays to the Mediterranean Sea area or even having lived in various European countries. Additionally, cultural events like the European football and rugby championships, as well as the Eurovision song contest, may have introduced them to different aspects of European life and geography. Many children will be familiar with some European countries and might know the names of capital cities. This background knowledge can be documented in the 'Prior Knowledge' section of the Knowledge Organiser, which serves as a foundation for the new unit on Europe.

Linking prior knowledge to the new content helps to deepen understanding and retention. Within the same subject, students can draw parallels between what they've learned about other continents and Europe. In other subjects, such as music or sports, they can connect their knowledge of European countries to songs they've heard in the Eurovision song contest or teams they've supported in international championships. Personal experiences, such as family holidays to the Mediterranean, can provide a tangible context for learning about geography, culture, and language. Asking the question "Why do so many British people go to the Mediterranean for their holidays?" encourages students to reflect on their own experiences and those of others, fostering a personal connection to the subject matter.